A urine infection is short for a urinary tract infection (UTI) and is a common issue that affects many pregnant women. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, which is why it is important for pregnant people to address and manage any UTIs they contract.
While the conventional treatment for UTIs is generally a round of antibiotics, it's still worth knowing about some natural remedies for relief. Here are some effective home remedies for managing a UTI while pregnant.
Urine infections/UTIs during pregnancy
It’s important to first understand the implications of a urine infection during pregnancy for effectively managing UTIs. UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, including hormonal changes that can increase the risk of getting a UTI.
The symptoms of a UTI during pregnancy include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain. Getting a UTI during pregnancy can lead to some undesirable risks to the health of both the person who is pregnant and the baby if left untreated, so it's important to be diagnosed and get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
It is important for people who are expecting to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and risks associated with having a UTI during pregnancy. By doing so, they can take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of UTI and seek prompt medical attention. Read on for some natural remedies for treating a UTI during pregnancy.
How to prevent a UTI during pregnancy naturally?
Preventing a UTI during pregnancy is just as important as managing it effectively. The good news is that there are several natural ways to reduce the risk of getting a UTI during pregnancy. By taking a proactive approach to UTI prevention, you can ensure a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. Here are some natural ways to prevent a UTI during pregnancy:
- Hydration
- Good hygiene
- Wiping front to back after using the bathroom
- Urinating regularly
Home remedies for urine infection during pregnancy
You can manage a urine infection during pregnancy with some natural remedies. These remedies can alleviate UTI symptoms, reduce the risk of infection, and promote overall health and well-being. Here are some of the most effective natural remedies for UTI during pregnancy:
Hydration
It’s important to drink enough water so that you flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and maintain a healthy urinary tract. If you are expecting, you should aim to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Cranberry juice
There are some indications that drinking unsweetened, 100% pure cranberry juice on a daily basis can potentially help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), as the juice may contain properties that fight against infections. However, it’s not clear how much is the ideal amount to consume in one sitting for preventing a UTI. It’s also important that you consult a healthcare provider before consuming cranberry juice if you are expecting it, as it may interact with certain medications.
Avoid drinks that may irritate the bladder
Beverages such as coffee, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks with citrus juice or caffeine can irritate your bladder and lead you to frequently urinate.
Wipe from front to back
To prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal region to the vagina and urethra, it’s important to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
Empty your bladder soon after intercourse
To prevent the spread of bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex, it's crucial to empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Drink a full glass of water and urinate as soon as possible after having sex to flush out any potentially harmful bacteria.
Avoid the use of irritating feminine products
Some products such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders can irritate the urethra, which may increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Is Azo for UTI safe during pregnancy?
Getting a urine infection while pregnant can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable, which is why you might be thinking about using over-the-counter remedies such as Azo for UTI relief. However, it’s important to be aware of the safety of these products during pregnancy. If you’re expecting, consult a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter remedies, including Azo.
While Azo may provide temporary relief for UTI symptoms, it does not treat the cause of the UTI, which is why it’s important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy.
When to consult a doctor?
Unfortunately, there are no natural remedies for treating a UTI while pregnant. It’s always a possibility that the UTI may resolve on its own. Nevertheless, it’s important to take prompt action if you are pregnant and suspect that you have a UTI, considering the need to be vigilant of any infections while pregnant. Your healthcare provider will most likely recommend antibiotics that are safe to consume during pregnancy. While there are no natural cures to a UTI while pregnant, you can naturally prevent UTIs or at least minimize the possibility of getting a UTI while pregnant with these home remedies.
In conclusion, you can naturally prevent UTIs or at least minimize the possibility of getting a UTI while pregnant by relying on some home remedies. If you’re pregnant, you can take charge of your health and minimize the risks that UTIs present to both you and your baby and their baby by being aware of your symptoms and properly and promptly managing the infection.
