ByIANSlife
July 14, 2020 (IANSlife) Although the monsoon brings respite from summer's scorching heat, it also invites a plethora of allergies and infections. Pregnant women should be cautious because they are at a higher risk of suffering from Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
According to Dr Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, monsoons can be worrisome for pregnant women as, during those rainy days, bacteria tend to live on our bodies and tend to multiply at a rapid rate. Moreover, the unwanted growth of the bacteria leads to UTI.
A UTI, also known as bladder infection, can be termed as a bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary tract affecting one's kidneys, uterus, bladder, and urethra. "You will be shocked to know that pregnant women are at higher risk of suffering from UTIs in the 6th week through 24 weeks owing to the changes in the urinary tract that takes place. The uterus is located on top of the bladder. When the uterus grows, its increased weight tends to block the drainage of the urine from one’s bladder, inviting a urinary tract infection during pregnancy," Dr Pratima told IANSlife.
The symptoms of a UTI are pain and discomfort while urinating, chills, fever, sweat, tenderness of the bladder, fatigue, cramps and lower abdominal pain, blood from the urine, urge to urinate frequently and foul smell while urinating. Thus, if the UTI is left untreated then it can cause kidney infections that in turn can lead to early labor and low birth weight in the baby. Treating it at the right time can be helpful for pregnant women.
Here are a few tips from the doctor for pregnant women to keep UTIs at bay during monsoon:
If you experience symptoms, don't ignore them and seek medical attention. This can help you prevent your condition from worsening.
(This article is website exclusive and cannot be reproduced without the permission of IANSlife)
IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in