One of the unpleasant diseases found in women expecting a baby is pyelonephritis in pregnant women, otherwise called gestational. In fact, it is an infectious kidney disease characterized by inflammation of the pelvis in the kidneys and urinary tract.
Two types of this disease are conditionally distinguished: acute and chronic. Some doctors believe that acute pyelonephritis in pregnant women is nothing more than an exacerbation of the chronic form. Moreover, the carrier may not even suspect the presence of the disease, since it may be asymptomatic, exacerbating in rare cases under the influence of certain factors.
For pregnancy, the effect of the hormone progesterone on the whole body is characteristic, and in particular, it helps to relax the smooth muscles, of which all the organs of the urinary system are composed. As a result, the tone decreases, urine output and blood circulation in the kidneys are delayed. In this case, the following symptoms appear that may indicate the presence of the disease.
Firstly, there are pains in the lumbar region, most often on the one hand. However, it is worth distinguishing them from pain caused by other factors, for example, the threat of abortion or from the load caused by the growing fetus on the spine of a woman. Secondly, and this is one of the most characteristic signs by which you can determine pyelonephritis in pregnant women, this is clouding of urine and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Body temperature may increase, but this is not such a specific symptom, which may be a consequence of other diseases. Gestational pyelonephritis can be accompanied by cystitis, inflammation of the urinary tract.
It must be remembered that the most accurate diagnosis, like treatment, should be carried out by a doctor. In case of any unpleasant sensations from the urinary organs, it is worth contacting a specialist who will conduct the necessary tests to identify the presence or absence of the disease. Most often, these include ultrasound of the kidneys, a general and biochemical blood test, a general urinalysis, and a Zemnitsky test. If pyelonephritis is nevertheless detected , the treatment takes into account the symptoms , for example, if pain occurs, then this is an acute form of the disease, which may require painkillers. Therefore, during the whole expectation of a child, urine must be taken at least once every 2 weeks, and in the last time once a week, in order to identify developing pathology in time.
The main treatment for pregnant pyelonephritis is taking antibiotics. Naturally, their possible effect on the fetus is taken into account. In the first trimester, it is preferable to use semisynthetic penicillin, at a later date - cephalosporins and macrolides. In addition, the doctor may recommend diuretics and herbal infusions that contribute to this. Among them, you can take birch buds, juniper fruits, rose hips.
To prevent a disease such as pyelonephritis in pregnant women, a woman is recommended proper nutrition and moderate physical activity. Also, experts advise to periodically take this position: kneel, while the elbows are on the floor, head and chest lower, and the pelvis, on the contrary, raise. Thus, the pressure of the uterus on the kidneys and urinary system decreases, respectively, improves blood circulation in the organs and outflow of urine. In addition, prevention consists in the treatment of individual infectious foci that appear in the body, for example, tonsillitis, dental caries, respiratory tract infections , etc.
In the event that a woman has undergone gestational pyelonephritis, after giving birth she is recommended to be monitored by a urologist, an examination once a month, periodic herbal medicine.