Urinary Tract Infection or UTI, is painful and annoying condition which is experienced by many pregnant women. With the progress in pregnancy, the uterus will exert an increased pressure on the bladder, which will in turn will hinder the smooth flow of urine, thereby leading to infection.
In addition to this, the decreased acidic nature of urine and the changing hormonal profile in the body can also cause infections of the urinary tract during pregnancy. The condition of urinary tract infection is characterized by many symptoms like a burning sensation while passing urine and changes in the appearance of urine.
The urine may appear cloudy and sometimes you many also notice traces of blood in it. The frequency of urination will change and the pregnant woman will experience severe pain in the back and pelvic regions. In the absence of proper treatment, this condition can give rise to further complications like kidney problems and may even lead to preterm labor and miscarriage.
In order to prevent the occurrence of such complications, it is imperative for one to resort to timely treatment. Do read on to know more about the many methods that you can follow in order to safely deal with a urinary tract infection during pregnancy
Take Medical Help
If you experience the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it is recommended that you visit your doctor as soon as possible. In order to treat the infection, doctors usually prescribe a 3 to 7 day course of antibiotics. A pregnant woman can take these antibiotics without having the fear of any side effects. Along with antibiotics, you can also have 500 mg of Vitamin C a day, in order to speed up the healing process and to build up your overall immunity.
Baking Soda Solution
Along with medications, one can also follow many natural remedies, in order to completely cure the condition of urinary tract infection. Of these remedies, consumption of baking soda solution is found to be a very effective one. The action of baking soda helps to normalize the pH levels in the body, thereby helping to heal the infections of the urinary tract.
The baking soda solution can be prepared by mixing thoroughly half a teaspoon of baking soda in hot water. This solution can be had twice a day in order to obtain quick results.
Increase Your Fluid Intake
Having plenty of water is very much necessary in order to completely alleviate the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. For this purpose, it is recommended that you have at least 8 glasses of water a day.
However, do stay away from sodas and sweetened beverages, as it will aggravate the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. To treat the infection, you can also have unsweetened cranberry juice, which have excellent bacteria fighting properties.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing is very important when it comes to treating urinary tract infections. Always wear undergarments made out of cotton and do avoid other synthetic fabrics. This is to allow a proper circulation of air in the genital areas. Also, do not wear tight clothing as it can tend to aggravate bacterial growth.
Along with following the above said remedies, you should also see to it that your genital areas are always kept clean and dry. Do avoid hot tubs and steam baths and also make it a point to empty your bladder whenever you feel the urge.
