A bladder infection is an infection to the bladder caused by bacteria. The infection itself is not dangerous, but if you walk around with it for too long, it can have serious consequences for you as a mom and for your unborn baby. This infection is often easy to recognize and in some cases prevented, so read in this blog how you say no to a bladder infection.
What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection is an infection on the inside of the bladder and is caused by bacteria (Radboudumc, s.d.). Women are especially susceptible to this infection. This is because the urethra is shorter than in men and because the urethra is close to the anus. Through this route, the bacteria enter the bladder. Also, the chance increases after sex and when you are pregnant. When you are pregnant, the hormones change and over time the growing uterus starts to put pressure on the bladder. As the bladder gets less and less room, the urge to urinate increases, but pee also stays behind in the bladder (Thuisarts, 2020).
This is how you recognize it
You can normally recognize a bladder infection fairly easily. You get the feeling that you have to pee more often than usual. And the sensation before urination and during urination is often painful or feels burning. The pain may also start to manifest in the lower abdomen or back. Your pee often looks different. It may have a more cloudy texture or there may be blood with the urine. Your pee also smells stronger or may start to smell a little. You cannot get a fever from this inflammation (Thuisarts, 2020).
Pregnant and a bladder infection?
A bladder infection by itself is not dangerous, but it only becomes dangerous if it is not treated. If it is not treated, then it can grow when a renal pelvic infection. And this is dangerous for both the mom and the unborn baby. Also, in the third trimester, the inflammation can be prematurely contractions evoke, which can cause premature birth. Therefore, get it treated as soon as possible (Pregnancy Portal, 2020)!
Preventing cystitis
There are a few things you can try to prevent a bladder infection. Watch your fluid intake, so drink two to three liters of water a day. Go pee immediately when the pressure builds up and empty the bladder completely. It is also important that you urinate immediately after having sex, if bacteria have entered your urethra you will easily pee them out again (Thuisarts, 2020).
As we mentioned above, a bladder infection is not dangerous. But it is if you walk around with it for too long. So if you have any doubts, report it to your doctor or midwife and have it examined. Often you can get rid of it within a week. A child can do the laundry!
Sources:
Radboudumc. (s.d.). What is a bladder infection? Accessed December 27, 2021, from https://www.radboudumc.nl/patientenzorg/aandoeningen/blaasontsteking/wat-is-een-blaasontsteking
Home Physician. (2020, April 21). I have a bladder infection (woman) | Thuisarts.nl. Accessed December 27, 2021, from https://www.thuisarts.nl/blaasontsteking/ik-heb-blaasontsteking-vrouw
Pregnancy Portal. (2020). Bladder infection during pregnancy. Accessed December 27, 2021, from https://www.zwangerenportaal.nl/zwanger/kwaaltjes-en-klachten/blaasontsteking-tijdens-zwangerschap