Marie, I had never had a urinary infection before, yet now I have had 2 since the start of my pregnancy. I was wondering if I am doing something that is causing these infections. Can you help? Thanks, Johannie

Dear Johannie,

It’s easy to explain why pregnant women are predisposed to urinary infections or cystitis.

The relaxing of specific tissues is also felt in the urinary meatus and the urinary tract system, which predisposes infection from your intestine and higher reflux towards your bladder and kidneys.

Urine pH changes, from a more acidic to a more alkaline, reduce your protection against some kinds of bacteria. During pregnancy, your immune system is also weaker, especially during the last trimester.

5-10% of pregnant women will face this issue. This increases if you had frequent urinary infections in the past, which, as you noted, is not your case Johannie.

If you feel a burning sensation when you urinate, or you always want to pee but only have a few drops, if you feel heaviness in the bottom of your stomach even after urinating or note the presence of blood in your urine, you likely have a urinary infection.

Here are some things you can do to prevent infections:

• Drink at least 1 litre of water per day;
• Drinking cranberry juice can help clean your bladder;
• Wipe from front to back without coming back after urinating or passing stool;
• Urinate after sexual relations.

Johannie, try these suggestions, as they can only help!

Talk soon,

Marie
The Baby Expert