Skip to content
There’s joy after every pain, and it’s true as you give birth to your little one. But what if the pain lingers and robs you of the little peace you’ve had? We’re talking about the possibility of having UTIs after delivery. And yes, these bladder infections aren’t pleasant and can add to your suffering in your postpartum journey.
You might be thinking, "UTIs? Seriously? That’s the last thing I need right now." Trust us, we get it. Your body has just been through a lot, and the last thing you want is another discomfort. But the truth is postpartum UTIs are more common than you might think.
Why do UTIs occur in women after delivery? This blog is your ultimate guide to finding the answer as we break down the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent UTIs after delivery. So, leave the pains behind and enjoy the moments with your newborn as we take a ride into postpartum UTI!
What is postpartum UTI?
You've just become a mom, and now you're dealing with a UTI. It's not ideal, right? A postpartum UTI is simply a urinary tract infection that occurs days or weeks after you've given birth. It happens in your urinary system, especially in the bladder or urethra. However, in some cases, UTIs after delivery also affect your kidneys. Here’s how UTIs occur:
- Bacteria in the gut are the main villains, especially E.coli.
- These bacteria enter the urethra as it carries urine from the bladder.
- They infect the urinary tract, leading to a UTI.
Postpartum UTIs are no different to UTIs that happen at any other time. But it can be extremely uncomfortable considering you’ve just delivered a baby and your body is recovering.
Need an effective solution for UTI? Try The Good Bug’s Good Down There probiotic, as it promotes vaginal health and combats the risk of urinary tract infections. Listen to what our expert gynaecologist has to say about the connection between gut health and vaginal health by clicking this link -
UTIs can occur to anyone at any time when bacteria enter your urinary tract. But what’s so special about newborn moms, and why UTIs after delivery are so common? Let’s find out below!
Causes of UTIs after delivery
Becoming a mom is an incredible journey, and you’re ready to face what lies ahead. But what you’re not prepared for is dealing with postpartum UTIs. The urinary tract is made up of the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. The urethra is a thin tube that carries urine from the kidneys through the bladder and out of the body. But what does it have to tell about women who get UTIs after delivery? Let's look at some of the reasons why women face postpartum UTIs:
- Physiological changes during pregnancy: Pregnancy sees a lot of changes in your body. Hormones are running wild, and your immune system is working overtime. Besides, your growing baby can put pressure on your bladder, making it harder for you to empty it completely. Thus, it acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of UTI.
Facing hormonal imbalances due to PCOS? The Good Bug’s PCOS Balance can be a better solution for managing the symptoms. Listen to the remarkable changes one of our customers felt after using this product
- Postpartum Challenges: After giving birth, your body is still adjusting. Things like catheters (tubes sometimes used to drain your bladder) and stitches can increase your risk of infection. And let’s not forget about all the physical exertion of labour and delivery, which can weaken your body’s defences.
Pregnancy and childbirth can make you a prime target for UTIs. If you’re not sure if it’s a UTI, let’s find out postpartum UTI symptoms and better diagnose the condition!
Postpartum UTI symptoms
You’ve given birth to a baby, and you’re going through a mix of feelings—joy, pain, anxiety, and whatnot! So, the last thing you wish is to feel unwell and add misery to your bag of emotions. Unfortunately, UTIs can be a common postpartum visitor. So, how do you know if you have one? Here are some common signs of UTIs after delivery:
- Painful or frequent urination: It’s one of the most common UTI symptoms postpartum. You might feel a burning sensation when you pee or have the urge to go more often than usual. Even though short-term pain while urinating is usual due to wear and tear during delivery, you must be careful if the pain persists or you feel extreme discomfort.
- Fever and chills: If the infection has spread to your kidneys, you might develop a fever and chills.
- Lower back or side pain: Pain in your lower back or on one side of your body could be a sign of a kidney infection.
- Feeling generally ill or discomfort: You might feel unwell overall, with symptoms like fatigue or just not feeling right.
- Changes in urine appearance: Your pee might look cloudy, red, pink, or even brown. It can be a sign of blood in your urine. It might also smell foul.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you might have a UTI. But how do you confirm it? Let’s see how you can diagnose and treat postpartum UTIs next!
Have only a little time to care for your skin postpartum? Why not brighten and hydrate your skin with The Good Bug’s Good to Glow probiotic? Say bye to blemishes and dark spots, and embrace healthier skin, hair, and nails with this product.
Diagnosis and treatment of postpartum UTIs
Even though UTIs after delivery are normal, do not disregard them entirely. Do you experience a strong urge to urinate but urinate only a few drops? Can’t tolerate the pain while urinating? If so, it’s time to see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. They'll ask about your symptoms and do a few tests:
- Urine test: For a urine test, you give your urine sample, and it checks for signs of infection, like bacteria or blood in your urine.
- Urine culture: If the initial test shows signs of infection, your doctor might send a urine sample to a lab for a culture. It helps identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Knowing the exact bug causing the problem helps your doctor choose the right antibiotic to fight it off.
Once your doctor confirms you have a UTI, they’ll prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will depend on how severe the infection is:
- Bladder infections: These are usually treated with oral antibiotics for a short course.
- Kidney infections: These are more serious and often require intravenous antibiotics in a hospital setting. The treatment course is usually longer.
As you begin the antibiotics course, you might start to feel better, but that’s not your cue to stop taking the medicine. You must finish the entire course of antibiotics, or the infection might come back or become resistant to the antibiotics. After 6 to 8 weeks, urine is again sent for a culture to understand whether the infection has been cured.
Is there a way to prevent UTIs after delivery? If you start supporting your gut health today, you might be free of UTIs tomorrow! So, begin your journey with The Good Bug! Meanwhile, let’s check out some simple tips to prevent postpartum UTIs!
Tips to prevent postpartum UTIs
The irritation, pain, and discomfort are real for UTIs after delivery, and there’s no sugarcoating it. Even if there are no foolproof ways to prevent them, there are certain things that will help lower the risk of getting an infection. Proper hygiene is the best remedy, and here are a few practical tips that will help you follow it:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
- Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet gives you essential nutrients to stay healthy while also preventing the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract.
- Take regular bathroom breaks: Don’t hold it in! Emptying your bladder regularly can help prevent the growth of the bacteria.
- Practise good restroom hygiene: Keeping your genitals dry and clean is one way to avoid UTIs after delivery and prevent bacteria from entering your urinary tract. Let’s see how you can practise it with simple tips:
- Wipe the area from front to back after urinating.
- Urinate immediately and wash the area thoroughly after sexual intercourse.
- Regularly change sanitary pads.
- Avoid using creams, lotions, and intimate wash products around the genitals.
- Underwear matters: Wear clean, breathable cotton underwear to reduce moisture buildup.
- Dress comfortably: Avoid tight clothing that can irritate the area.
Having a baby is a beautiful experience, but dealing with UTIs can definitely put a damper on things. However, you're not alone in this journey; many women experience UTIs after delivery. While it's not always possible to completely avoid them, understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention tips can help you stay one step ahead.
Taking care of your health, including your gut health, is crucial for postpartum recovery. That’s where The Good Bug comes in. Our range of probiotics and prebiotics can help support you as you adjust to your new role as a mother. Visit our website to discover amazing resources for newborn moms and shower some love on your health!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5857667/#
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(17)31048-7/abstract
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/796892-treatment
