UTI’s are associated with preterm labor, low birth weight, hypertension, preeclampsia, and maternal anemia. Women with a history of UTIs, sickle cell trait, sickle cell anemia and diabetes are at increased risk.

Signs and Symptoms of a UTI
During pregnancy, characteristic signs of UTI may be nearly absent due to progesterone’s softening effect on the urethra.

~Bladder Infection
~Cloudy urine
~Foul urine odor
~Urgent need to pee – produce a small quantity of urine
~Low fever
~Pain or burning with urination
~Painful sex
~Sub- or suprapubic aching or pain
~Cramping
~Blood in urine

Signs and Symptoms of a Kidney Infection
~Chills and shaking
~Fatigue
~Fever above 102
~Side pain
~Continuous backache
~Flush, warm or reddened skin
~General ill feeling
~Nausea and vomiting

Prevention
Wipe from front to back
Avoid pelvic floor exercises while urinating as this will encourage infection
Wear cotton underwear
Avoid scented hygiene products, scented toilet paper and scented bubble baths
Urinate before and after sex
Reduce sugar intake
Drink lots of water
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice
Drink nettle tea to strengthen the kidneys
Take Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
Urinate as soon as possible after feeling an urge. Retention can increase bacteria.

Treatment
Natural
Eliminate sugar from the diet
Drinks lots of water
Drink unsweetened cranberry juice or take a cranberry supplement (Cranactin)
Take 1-2 tablets every 3-4 hours with lots of water
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
500 mg every 2-3 hours
Uva Ursi (bearberry)
The only antiseptic herb that passes through the kidneys
Is a diuretic therefore not to be used more than 5 days in tincture form
If in tea form, can be used up to 10 days
Use 1 oz of dry herb to 1 qt water and steep overnight
Drink 1 cup every 4 hours for the first 2 days
Continue with 1 cup daily for 3 days after all symptoms disappear

Allopathic
Antibiotics