Not only is it extremely nasty and can cause painful discomfort, but it can also jeopardise the health of mother and child: cystitis during pregnancy. This so-called cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Scientists cannot put an exact figure on how many pregnant women are affected by it, the figure is somewhere between 2 and 15 per cent. But one thing is certain: cystitis affects many women who are expecting a child. Pregnant women are particularly "susceptible" to this disease.
Why do pregnant women often get cystitis?
Many factors come together here:
1. the hormone progesterone plays a role. This is produced in greater quantities during pregnancy so that the muscles become softer and can make room for the expanding uterus. The muscles of the urinary tract also relax, which leads to a slower flow of urine. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and reach the bladder. Once there, they are then the trigger for cystitis.
2. the composition of the urine also changes during pregnancy. It now contains more glucose (sugar) and amino acids (protein), which bacteria particularly "like". This changed pee pH value is an ideal environment for them to multiply.
3. the growing uterus can also press on the bladder and ureter, which further slows down the flow of urine. This means that the urine remains in the bladder for longer. This in turn additionally favours the growth of bacteria.
To make matters worse, a pregnant woman's immune system is weaker. A pregnant woman's body cannot defend itself against bacteria as effectively as it can outside of pregnancy.
This not only leads to more frequent and more severe respiratory infections, but also to a higher susceptibility to bladder infections.
Be sure to take these signs seriously during pregnancy!
There are several symptoms that can indicate inflammation of the lower urinary tract (urethra, bladder). However, it is not always easy to recognise at first because certain signs, such as having to go to the toilet more often, can also be purely pregnancy-related. It is also possible that no symptoms are noticed at first, even though bacteria are already present. That's why it's a good idea to check the pregnant woman's urine at every check-up.
The following symptoms, or a combination of them, are typical of acute cystitis:
Frequent urge to urinate: You are probably already familiar with the fact that as a pregnant woman you have to urinate more often than before. This is normal and not a problem. Here, however, "frequent urination" is basically a more permanent The urge to urinate means that as soon as you get off the toilet bowl, you already have (or still have) the feeling that you "have to".
Only droplets of urine: You are probably used to urinating with a good stream. As your pregnancy progresses and your uterus gets bigger, your bladder can no longer "store" as much urine, which is why you have to go to the toilet more often. But it runs well. And that's exactly what urine doesn't do when you have a bladder infection! On the contrary: very little is passed, sometimes only a few droplets.
Pain, burning or stinging in the urethra when urinating: This indicates a bladder infection.
Cloudy, foul-smelling urine: While "healthy" urine is normally clear and usually odourless, it can look cloudy and smell unpleasant due to bacterial infestation. Sometimes it even contains traces of blood (more on this below).
Pressure or pain in the lower abdomenThis is also relatively typical of a bladder infection. For some women, the pain above the pubic bone feels dull and oppressive, others describe it as cramp-like like menstrual pain.
General malaise: Pregnant women affected may feel more tired and exhausted than they are used to.
All these symptoms indicate cystitis during pregnancy.
When does cystitis need to be treated during pregnancy? Always and immediately!
As soon as you suspect that you may have an inflammation of the lower urinary tract (urethra, bladder): Don't wait too long, seek medical treatment straight away! If left untreated, cystitis can trigger premature labour and thus increase the risk of premature birth or miscarriage. It can also jeopardise your health and lead to serious complications.
Also seek medical advice if you are on holiday. In an unfamiliar environment, you can also find help in hospital if necessary.
From a untreated cystitis can also quickly develop into an inflammation of the upper urinary tract, e.g. a Renal pelvic inflammationdevelop. In this case, the symptoms are aggravated by, for example
- Moderate to high fever, chills,
- Pain running over the flanks (sides) towards the back,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Generally strong feeling of illness.
Untreated pelvic inflammatory disease increases the risk of premature labour, premature birth or miscarriage enormously and also puts your health at risk.
What does the doctor do in the case of cystitis?
To diagnose cystitis in a pregnant woman, her urine is analysed. If it contains bacteria or white blood cells, this may indicate an infection. In some cases, a blood sample from the pregnant woman is also tested for bacteria. The urine is often also sent to the laboratory to be analysed for bacteria.
Once the diagnosis of "cystitis" has been confirmed by a doctor, you will be prescribed an antibiotic. The type of preparation depends on the severity of the infection, the type of bacteria and the individual circumstances of the pregnant woman, among other things.
In any case, you must tell the doctor absolutely that you are pregnant, if this is not yet visible. This way, an antibiotic can be selected that is safe for you and your unborn child. It is also important that you then exactly as instructed until the end, even if the symptoms of the infection subside before then. This is because incomplete treatment can lead to the infection returning and then becoming more serious.
It is also important that you drink plenty of fluids so that the bladder can be flushed out properly.
If you have pain, Buscopan is also authorised as a painkiller during pregnancy.
Self-treatment of cystitis during pregnancy - don't do it!
Many women swear by this little miracle fruit, which is said to put an end to cystitis: Cranberry, the cranberry. They are available as juice, tablets, capsules and powder, as tea and, of course, in their natural state. Cranberries could may actually develop into a herbal alternative to antibiotic treatment of incipient uncomplicated cystitis, says the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) in a preliminary report. For the time being, however preventive use of cranberry preparations. However, the Institute points out that there is a need for further research. And to pregnant Women are not mentioned at all in this context.
It has not yet been conclusively scientifically proven that cranberries help against cystitis. For pregnant women with cystitis, however, cranberry products are by no means an alternative to a visit to the doctor.
Also Bearberry leaves is said to provide relief from cystitis. For Pregnant women however, they are unsuitablebecause the safety for mother and child has not yet been investigated. There is also a suspicion that a certain ingredient could alter the genetic make-up.
In total Bladder and kidney teas during pregnancy not recommended.
Therefore: Do not experiment with a lower urinary tract infection, do not take any "miracle cures" or medication on your own, but please seek medical treatment!
What you can do yourself before visiting the doctor
There are some measures you can take immediately if you suspect the onset of cystitis:
Drink plenty of water, to flush the bacteria out of the bladder and relieve the symptoms.
Avoid drinks containing caffeine, because they can irritate the bladder and make the symptoms worse.
Apply heat, e.g. with a hot water bottle or a warm bath to relieve the pain and cramps.
Urinate frequently, even if only small amounts are used to eliminate bacteria from the bladder.
These measures may alleviate your symptoms - they support the healing process. However, they are not sufficient treatment for cystitis during pregnancy. Therefore, they cannot replace a visit to the doctor.
How to prevent cystitis during pregnancy
Of course, it is always best if a woman or pregnant woman cannot develop a lower urinary tract infection in the first place. However, this is not so easy because the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra and is also closer to the rectum. Bacteria can therefore reach the bladder more easily in women and cause cystitis. And in pregnant women, there are also the factors described above, which additionally favour infection during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, you don't have to despair. Pregnant or not pregnant, there are many things you can do to prevent an infection:
Drink enoughto keep your urinary tract well flushed - at least two to three litres of preferably water a day.
Go to the toilet when you have the urge to urinate - and don't hold back the urine according to the motto "not again!". If you have to, you have to, period! Otherwise urine collects in the bladder and offers bacteria a wonderful place to develop infections. But nobody wants that!
Clean your rosette properly after a bowel movement - The anus is always wiped from the front to the back, i.e. from the vagina towards the anus! This is because by far the most common cause of cystitis in women is E. coli bacteria. Although they fulfil important functions in the gastrointestinal tract, they should not enter the urinary tract. However, this can easily happen with incorrect toilet hygiene.
Pees after sex: Intestinal bacteria are often also found around the vulva. As already mentioned, the urethra, vagina and rectum are very close together in women, making it easy for pathogens to enter the lower urinary tract. That's why you should always empty your bladder soon after sex to quickly flush out anything that doesn't belong there from the urinary tract. It may also be advisable to shower your genital area after intercourse.
Gently cleanses your intimate area, to preserve the skin's natural acid mantle. Warm water is enough to remove any bacteria. Intimate wash lotions, on the other hand, weaken the skin.
Wear cotton underwear: It is more breathable than synthetic fabric and can minimise moisture in the intimate area. A dry environment also inhibits the proliferation of bacteria.
Strengthen your immune system through sufficient rest and sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding stress. Then infections have much less chance!
