urinary tract infections are very common during pregnancy, due to increased amounts of sugars and protein in the urine. Because they are often symptomless, they can be dangerous since they can lead to kidney infection quickly if not diagnosed and treated. The kidney infection can then lead to premature labor. This is a potentially serious problem, and will have to be treated with intravenous antibiotics.
Your health care provider will check your urine at each examination. But you can prevent such infections by maintaining good nutrition and good personal hygiene, as well as taking your vitamins and lots of fluids. Most complementary treatments may get rid of your symptoms but not the underlying infection.
Symptoms: When symptoms are present, they include pain and urgency of urination.
Treatment:
MEDICAL INTERVENTION: Many antibiotics will have no effect on the fetus and may be prescribed safely during pregnancy. A culture should be done to select the best antibiotic for your particular infection. You should follow directions for taking your medication exactly and always finish the prescription, even if your symptoms have vanished.
NUTRITION: Drink eight to ten glasses of fluids daily, including 8 oz. of unsweetened cranberry or cherry juice.
SUPPLEMENTATION: Vitamin C (500 mg) 2 to 4 times daily.
HERBS: Cranberry concentrate in capsules. Take one or two capsules 3 to 4 times a day.
LIFESTYLE:
Don't wait to go to the bathroom: empty your bladder frequently.
Wear cotton underwear; avoid pantyhose, or wear only the hose with a cotton gusset (you can also cut out the center gusset if it's not cotton).
Urinate and wash before and after intercourse.
Wipe from front to back after urinating or defecating; use new paper for each wipe.
HOMEOPATHY: Take one dose of a 6C or 30C potency that matches your symptom picture every 15 to 30 minutes three times, then one to four times daily, following the instructions on the bottle or tube. If you find no relief from your symptoms, this is not the appropriate remedy for your condition. Examine yourself carefully, check the list again, and select a different remedy. If you still find no relief, consult with a homeopathic practitioner for further direction.
Belladonna: acute infection, dark cloudy urine which is frequent and profuse.
Apis: burning and soreness on urinating, scanty dark urine, better with cold.
Cantharis: persistent urge to go but only able to pass a few drops at a time; cutting pain before, during and after urinating.
Pulsatilla: increased urge, worse lying down, burning in urethra during and after urination, spasmodic pain in bladder after urinating.
AROMATHERAPY:
Use chamomile in your bath to alleviate the discomfort of a urinary tract infection. Sandalwood, a powerful antiseptic, is useful as a bath supplement, as is bergamot, which can take away the stinging and burning sensations. Dosages of these essential oils are 2 to 3 drops mixed in the bath.
Natural home remedies
Charles Silverman N.D., a Naturalist and Herbalist since 1979, His articles are
published on several web sites like ezinearticles.com and naturalhealthweb.com
and he is regularly interviewed by various publications and newspapers like the
Montgomery News of Alabama. All his knowledge has been transferred to his web
site and now to this amazing book, that takes advantage of the latest technology
in order to bring you the most complete guide for home healing ever made.in order to bring you the most complete guide for home healing ever made.
