5 Things About Cystitis and Pregnancy
A lot changes in your body during pregnancy and this can also affect your bladder. Your growing miracle can put pressure on your bladder and your immune system is also reduced when you are pregnant, making you more susceptible to infections. In this article we explain what a bladder infection is, what is important about a bladder infection during pregnancy, an explanation about hard bellies and the relationship with a bladder infection and finally how you can recognize, test and treat a bladder infection.
What is a bladder infection?
Simply put, a bladder infection is an inflammation of the bladder, often caused by bacteria. It can make you feel like you constantly have to go to the toilet, but this is often the case during pregnancy anyway. The symptoms of a bladder infection during pregnancy are also less easy to recognize, because they are different from those outside of pregnancy.
Symptoms of bladder infection
With a bladder infection without pregnancy, you notice that you have to urinate often and that you are unable to do so. You have the feeling that you have not urinated completely and this is usually accompanied by pain during urination (burning sensation). If you are pregnant, this usually does not bother you.
Symptoms of bladder infection and pregnancy
In pregnant women, the symptoms of a bladder infection may be more subtle, but often include at least a nagging feeling in the lower abdomen and lower back pain. Your urine may smell more strongly. Regular urination also occurs without a bladder infection, so it is especially important to contact us if you have a painful/nagging feeling in your lower abdomen.
Hard Belly During Pregnancy: What is Normal?
You may have heard of 'hard bellies'. These are contractions that can make your abdomen tight and hard. A bit like Braxton Hicks, a kind of 'practice contractions'. It is normal to experience this a few times a day, especially if you have had a busy day or are experiencing some stress.
Normal Frequency of Hard Bellies
It is normal to experience hard stomachs up to 5-6 times a day. These contractions are usually irregular, short-lived and often disappear if you lie down quietly and apply heat such as a hot water bottle or shower.
When Are Hard Bellies a Cause for Concern?
If hard bellies occur frequently (more than 5-6 times a day) and regularly, this may be a sign of too much busyness and stress. If you suffer from a lot of hard stomachs and a nagging feeling in the lower abdomen, this could also be due to a bladder infection. Therefore, if you have a lot of hard bellies, always contact us for consultation.
Hard bellies and an untreated bladder infection
If you have hard bellies due to an untreated bladder infection, these hard bellies can increase. If you have too many hard bellies, these can turn into real contractions. This means that there is a chance of premature delivery. Because we obviously don't want the baby to be born prematurely, it is important to treat a bladder infection.
Testing for bladder infections during pregnancy
If you experience symptoms that indicate a bladder infection, it is important to get tested for a bladder infection. Testing for a bladder infection must be done in a reliable way: the 'washed pee' method. This may sound a bit strange, but it is very important.
What is a 'Washed Puddle'?
The idea behind a 'washed pee' is simple: you want to ensure that the urine you collect is as clean as possible. Why? Because you don't want to be misdiagnosed due to bacteria and discharge that normally occur around your vagina.
How do you ensure a 'Reliable Pool'?
- Cleaning: Provide a washed puddle. Start by carefully cleaning your external genitals. You do this with water and a cotton ball, do not use soap.
- Collecting the middle portion of urine: Now comes the trick. Start urinating, but don't catch the first part. Wait a moment and then collect the middle part of your pee in a sterile container. This 'middle part' is most representative of the condition in your bladder.
- Use fresh urine that is no older than one hour when you hand it in to the doctor. So you are not supposed to collect your urine in the morning and only take it away in the afternoon, even if it has been in the refrigerator.
Using this method will give you the most accurate results. This means that if you have a bladder infection, you can get the right treatment quickly. And that is important, because you naturally want to avoid any risk during your pregnancy.
Treatment of Cystitis During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant and contract a bladder infection, it is important to know how to deal with it. The good news is that it is treatable, but it requires special attention because of your pregnancy.
The Role of the General Practitioner
Self-medication is not a good idea, especially during pregnancy. If you have symptoms of a bladder infection, make an appointment with your doctor. They will make a correct diagnosis, often using the 'washed pee' method mentioned earlier.
Treatment with Antibiotics
The standard treatment for bladder infections during pregnancy is antibiotic treatment. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe during pregnancy. It is crucial to complete the entire course, even if you feel better quickly, to ensure that the infection clears completely.
Cranberries: Not during pregnancy!
There has been a lot of talk about using cranberries or cranberry juice as a natural remedy for bladder infections. However, for pregnant women, the use of cranberries as a preventive measure is not recommended. This is because insufficient research has been done into its effectiveness and safety during pregnancy. It is best to focus on proven medical treatments and advice from your doctor.
Preventing bladder infections
In addition to medical treatment, there are some simple preventative measures you can take. Drink enough water (2 liters) to flush your system. Go to the toilet regularly and make sure your bladder empties completely each time, don't hold your urine. Avoid irritants such as caffeine and alcohol. Finally, wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
Resume
So dear future mom, don't forget: if you have any doubts or symptoms of a bladder infection, go to your doctor and ask for a test. Also call us as a midwife if you know the results. It's a small effort, but it can make a big difference to your health and that of your baby.
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