Kidney Infection during Pregnancy
Generally, the risk of a kidney infection in pregnant women is quite high. Pregnancy does not mean that the women are more likely to have the asymptomatic bacteria; it just increases the risk of cystitis. The reason is that pregnant women have high levels of a hormone called progesterone that decrease the muscle tone of the ureters which causes them to dilate and slow the flow of urine. Also, as the uterus becomes larger, it compresses the ureters which will in turn slow the flow of urine. Some other changes that can happen in the urinary tract system of a pregnant woman include the loss of tone in the urinary bladder, which makes it difficult to empty the bladder as they are prone to reflux. Reflux is a condition where urine flows back up to the ureters towards the kidneys. All these changes result in the slow passage of urine, giving time for the bacteria to multiply and take hold before it is flushed out from the body. This gives a chance for the bacteria to travel up to the kidneys and spread the infection. Another factor that enhances the growth of bacteria is that the urine in pregnant women is less acidic and contains glucose which acts as a catalyst for the multiplication of bacteria. Thus, a pregnant woman should try identifying the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and start treatment as fast as possible to prevent further consequences.
Some of the symptoms in kidney infections among pregnant women are as follows:
- Initial symptoms of a kidney infection in women include fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, frequent urge to urinate, pain while urinating or blood in the urine.
- Pregnant women suffer from back pain due to the stretching of ligaments in an attempt to make room for the growing baby. However, this should be differentiated from the lower back pain that occurs due to a kidney infection. Kidney infection back pain causes a stabbing back pain around the waist area and is concentrated on one particular location.
- Pregnant women suffer from yeast infections or kidney infections in the urinary tract and this result in difficulty while urinating. Severe pain or discomfort is symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
- Fatigue is another common symptom that is experienced during the stages of infection.
Hence it is our duty to be aware of any of these symptoms of kidney infection especially during the time of pregnancy as it is most likely to lead to severe complications if left untreated.
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