Feeling a constant urge and burning sensation every time you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Unfortunately, UTIs are common during pregnancy, but they can be very uncomfortable and dangerous. How can you safely manage UTIs during pregnancy? This article gives in-depth knowledge on Ayurvedic Management of urinary tract infections during pregnancy.
Introducing Ayurveda – the ancient Indian science of life which might not cause harm to you and your baby as antibiotics.
This article will discuss how you can use Ayurveda to treat Urinary Tract infections safely during pregnancy. We’ll discuss the symptoms of UTI and offer simple tips to help you manage this condition successfully without any dangerous side effects. Let’s get started!
What is a urinary tract infection?
So, what is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that can cause a burning sensation, abdominal discomfort, and cloudy urine. It’s quite common for pregnant women to get UTIs, especially in the third trimester when the baby has moved down to the birth canal.
Is UTI common in pregnancy?
Perhaps you did not know that urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common infections women experience during pregnancy. In fact, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), UTIs are among the most frequent infections reported at any stage of pregnancy.
So why do pregnant women get UTIs? One possible reason is increased levels of hormones during pregnancy which can make it easier for bacteria to attach to your bladder’s walls. But don’t worry because there are ways to manage UTIs safely and naturally during pregnancy with Ayurveda.
Causes and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, then you know that there are a lot of extra precautions to take regarding your health. One of the more common infections you may experience is a urinary tract infection (UTI). This often results from bacteria in the urethra, which a lack of hydration or sexual activity can cause.
Unfortunately, UTIs can also be caused by pregnancy hormones or the baby pressing on your bladder. Symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, pain when urinating, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. You might also feel pain in your lower abdomen or back and experience chills and fever.
Why Antibiotics May Not Always Be the Best Option During Pregnancy
When dealing with urinary tract infections during pregnancy, antibiotics may not always be the best way to go. For one, there is an increased risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be difficult and expensive to treat.
Not to mention, antibiotics can have side effects.
On the contrary, Ayurvedic medicines are believed to be safe for treating UTIs during pregnancy because they use only plant-based materials free from chemicals or hormones.
Furthermore, they don’t interfere with the body’s natural defense systems or the developing baby’s development, making them a preferred method for treating UTIs safely and naturally during pregnancy.
Complications of urinary tract infection in pregnancy
Did you know that if you don’t treat a UTI while pregnant, it can seriously affect your and your baby’s health? If a UTI is left untreated, it can cause premature labor, low birth weight babies, and urinary tract damage to the baby.
Amniotic fluid contamination
If UTI goes untreated during pregnancy, the bacteria can pass to the bladder and spread to the amniotic sac, contaminating the amniotic fluid. This is dangerous for both mother and baby as it can increase the risk of infection in the newborn after delivery.
Bloodstream infections
Another complication of an untreated UTI in pregnancy is that bacteria can enter your bloodstream, leading to sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy
Ayurveda also offers other treatments for UTIs during pregnancy that can be used alongside diet and lifestyle changes.
Basti, for example, is considered a valid and effective remedy for UTIs during pregnancy and can only be practiced from the second half of the third trimester.
This is administering a medicated oil enema followed by a liquid extract made from herbs that act on the urinary system. The oil helps to lubricate the bladder, while herbs help reduce inflammation and pain.
Alternatively, Ayurvedic antenatal care during pregnancy can help prevent urinary tract infections as intake of ksheera paka – milk boiled with Ayurvedic herbs such as brihati, gokshura, yava etc. – can provide relief from pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, pedal edema, urinary infections, etc. This milk acts as an antiseptic agent to cleanse the bladder region while reducing inflammation and pain in the affected areas.
Since every pregnancy differs, your practitioner will create an individualized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Herbal supplements containing Ashoka, Punarnava and Gokshura play an important role in Ayurvedic treatment for UTIs during pregnancy. These herbs help boost immunity and fight against bacteria that cause infections.
Dos and Don’ts: Lifestyle Changes and Dietary Recommendations According to Ayurveda
Dealing with a UTI during pregnancy can be difficult, but Ayurveda can help you manage it safely. According to Ayurveda, some key dos and don’ts can help you through this trying period.
Do’s
- Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take enough rest during the day and at night.
- Practice yoga every day to keep your body flexible, strong and your mind relaxed.
- Take time for meditation to reduce stress and anxiety levels related to the infection.
- Use natural herbs such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and fenugreek for UTI relief during pregnancy.
- Wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton to allow your skin to breathe better and prevent fungal infections due to sweating caused by wearing tight clothes.
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes daily to improve immunity against infections like UTIs during pregnancy.
- Ashwini Mudra: An Ayurvedic posture, the Ashwini Mudra strengthens the perineum muscles, which is useful in preventing an overactive bladder and helps reduce the urgency associated with UTI.
- Nadi Shodhana Pranayama: Also known as alternate nostril breathing, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama helps to balance levels of energy or prana in the body.
Don’ts
- Avoid spicy, sour, salty or processed foods as they create an imbalance in the body’s doshas (energy) which can be the root cause of most infections during pregnancy, including UTI infections.
- Do not skip meals or take long gaps between meals.
- Reduce caffeine intake, including tea/coffee, as much as possible.
- Avoid stress-inducing activities such as work overload or intense physical activities.
- Avoid any supplements or medications without consulting with a doctor.
Conclusion
In summary, there is a definite need to embrace a holistic approach when dealing with pregnant women suffering from UTIs. Ayurveda is a safe and effective practice that can promote health within a woman’s body, including in the case of UTI.
Ayurvedic treatments can help reduce the symptoms of UTI and help prevent future infections. It can also address the underlying imbalances that can lead to UTI and other issues during pregnancy. Ayurveda can also strengthen the body against future infections and promote overall health and well-being.
