Bladder and kidney infections in postpartum women

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally approved by Master, Doctor Le Nhat Nguyen- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang

If you have difficulty urinating or pain when urinating in the first 24 hours after giving birth, this could be a sign of a postpartum symptom that many other new mothers also have, which is an infection. postpartum urinary tract infection. So what causes urinary tract infections after giving birth and what is the risk of postpartum infection?

1. What is postpartum urinary tract infection?

The urethra is shorter (4 cm) in women than in men (20 cm), making it easier for bacteria to spread from the urethra to the bladder and kidneys. Therefore, urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. In addition, pregnancy makes a woman more susceptible to infections.
Urinary tract infection is defined as an infection of the lining of the bladder and urethra. Urinary tract infections occur when disease-causing bacteria enter your urinary tract through the urethra and cause an infection. In some cases, bacteria can travel to the kidneys leading to a kidney infection.
Pelvic floor muscles help keep the urethra closed so urine doesn't leak out. During labor, these muscles are overworked along with the ligaments, nerves, and muscles of the lower abdomen. Excessive wear and tear during childbirth can lead to injury or trauma to these muscles and ligaments. After that, a woman may not be able to perform her urinary functions as she did before labor. Pregnancy can also cause the bladder to lose muscle tone making it difficult for women to completely empty their bladder. This makes it easier for urine to back up into the ureters. The longer urine stays in the urinary tract, the higher the chance of bacteria multiplying and, therefore, the higher the chance of infection.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney infections after giving birth?

Bladder and frequent kidney infections causing pain or frequent urination. Kidney and some bladder infections cause fever. A kidney infection can cause pain in the lower back or side and a feeling of discomfort or illness.
In addition, the patient may experience some symptoms such as
Wanting to urinate but only passing very little Urinating more often Burning sensation when urinating Urine has an unpleasant odor (odour) Experts It is recommended that, to prevent urinary tract infections after cesarean or vaginal delivery, mothers need to urinate within six to eight hours after giving birth. This helps prevent urinary tract infections and prevents any damage and bleeding that may occur when your bladder gets too full.
After delivery, the nurse or midwife may measure the amount of urine you've passed or check your bladder for fullness. If your bladder doesn't cooperate after giving birth, your doctor may order a catheter to drain urine from your bladder. If you're still having trouble urinating a few days after giving birth, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
Even after going home, pay attention to unusual symptoms. If you feel pain while urinating even after the incision and perineal tear have begun to heal, or if you feel the urge to urinate but can only pass a small amount of urine, or if you have a fever, seek medical advice. Contact your doctor or go to a Medical facility as soon as possible.

3. Diagnosis and treatment of postpartum bladder and kidney infections

Diagnosis of bladder and kidney infections postpartum
The diagnosis of bladder and kidney infections is usually based on examination and analysis of a urine sample. In some cases, where a person has a kidney infection and a bladder infection, a urine sample may be cultured to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment of bladder and kidney infections after giving birth
Usually, women are given antibiotics intravenously for kidney infections or by mouth for bladder infections.
If there is no evidence that the bladder infection has spread to the kidneys, antibiotics may be given for only a few days. If a kidney infection is suspected, antibiotics (such as ceftriaxone or ampicillin in combination with gentamicin) are given until the patient's fever is gone for 48 hours. Usually, antibiotics are then taken orally for the next 7 to 14 days. Once culture results are available, the antibiotic currently being used can be switched to another antibiotic that is more effective against the bacteria currently infected.
Patients are often advised to drink plenty of water to help the kidneys work properly and push bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Then another urine sample is cultured 6 to 8 weeks after birth to determine if the infection has been cured.

4. Prevention of bladder and kidney infections after birth

Drink lots of water to flush bacteria out of the excretory system Drink cranberry juice. The juice is scientifically proven to treat as well as prevent urinary tract infections by preventing disease-causing organisms from attaching to the urethral wall. Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C. This group of foods makes the urine more acidic and helps the body kill and reduce the number of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections in the urinary system. Practice good hygiene. Avoid tampons and change tampons frequently during your period. Avoid using perfumed products, creams or gels around the genitals as they can greatly increase the chances of getting a urinary tract infection. Wear loose-fitting clothes to keep the genitals dry and prevent the growth of bacteria. Be cautious during sex. Urinate soon after sex to clear organisms that may have entered the urethra. Also, wash the intimate area with water after intercourse. Periodic health check-ups help detect diseases early, thereby planning treatment for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy.
Results of the patient's examination will be returned to the home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: msdmanuals.com; whattoexpect.com; medscape.com