Infections which occur in the bladder, and which spread into the narrow tubes leading to the kidney (called the ureters) are common during pregnancy, particularly after the twentieth week.
Because of increased amounts of hormone in the bloodstream, the ureters tend to dilate, and this may encourage germs to travel from the bladder into the cavities of the kidney.
Due to changes occurring in the pelvis, complete emptying of the bladder is often difficult. Small amounts of urine are left, forming a reservoir for proliferating germs. Here they multiply rapidly. Frequently, no symptoms occur, and the infection simply smoulders on silently.
But when the germs commence moving into the ureters and on into the kidneys, symptoms can suddenly flare. Elevated temperatures, chills, fevers, aches in the lower back region, aches and pains all over, frequency of urination, the desire to empty the bladder a short time after this has already been done, with little satisfaction, all become commonplace symptoms. Vomiting and a high pulse-rate might also occur.
These demands prompt medical attention. The doctor will probably order a laboratory test on the urine. In this manner the organism producing the infection can be isolated, and the antibiotic to which it is most responsive determined. Treatment is usually commenced at once. Bed rest and lots of fluid are essential.
The results are usually satisfactory, and reduction in discomfort, temperature and the frequency of passing urine and a lessening of the scalding sensation take place rapidly. However, as re-infections are highly likely, continuation of treatment for the remainder of the pregnancy is often necessary.
Stick closely to the doctor’s recommendations. Take the medication given exactly as prescribed. This is the quickest way to recover.
Although the use of medication during pregnancy has been discussed previously, when serious symptoms arise, it is often essential to embark on suitable medication. Any risks of this must be carefully weighed against the risks of the infections. The doctor will order medication with a careful eye on all aspects of risks.
However, many of the complications do not arise until the second half of pregnancy. By this time, the major risks have disappeared. The major cell multiplication and the development of each organ are long since complete, and for these reasons the risks of congenital malformations decrease.
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