Hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy make women more susceptible to urinary tract infections. The prevalence of bacteriuria (presence of bacteria in the urine) is 4-10% among these women. If left untreated, it could endanger the health of both the mother and the baby.
To avoid complications during and after pregnancy, such as premature birth, low birth weight, or problems in the mother's urinary tract and kidneys, it is recommended to periodically undergo a urine test (specifically, one in each trimester of pregnancy).
In the first trimester of pregnancy, a urine test can detect the presence of bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which is responsible for 70-80% of cases of this type of infection. Treatment will be based on antibiotics that do not cross the placental membrane to prevent them from affecting the baby's development.
Maintaining proper intimate hygiene is essential to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy, especially when cleaning oneself after using the bathroom, and doing so from front to back to avoid contaminating the genital area with bacteria. It is also recommended to wear cotton underwear, urinate frequently, and drink enough water (around 2 liters a day).
Even so, it is estimated that 50% of women will have a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. That's why one of the most effective preventive measures is to maintain an acidic pH in the urine, either through diet or supplements, to make it difficult for bacteria to proliferate, while also restoring the body's acid-base balance caused by the infection.
