The term "cystitis" in medicine refers to inflammation of the lining of the bladder caused by an infection. It can be both a conditionally pathogenic flora, which includes staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, and pathogenic pathogens - chlamydia, mycoplasmas, Trichomonas vaginalis.
According to statistics, about 10 percent of pregnant women suffer from inflammation of the bladder. Why is that? The fact is that during pregnancy, for physiological reasons, the protective reactions of the body decrease, the so-called immunosuppression occurs. The immunity of the expectant mother is deliberately suppressed in order to prevent possible immunological rejection of the embryo, and later the fetus. Since the immune system has failed, infections, when they enter the urinary canal, actively multiply and cause inflammation. In addition, pregnant women experience tension in the back, the nerves that affect the strength of the urine stream during urination are compressed. And a weak stream of urine is an “open door” for the penetration of infections further.
A special risk group are pregnant women who have a history of chronic cystitis. It is very likely that pregnancy will provoke its next exacerbation. A woman's hormonal background changes, she is prone to microflora disturbances, immunity is reduced, as we wrote above, so there are all conditions for an exacerbation of the disease. If, before her new position, a woman had no problems with the urinary system, then the risk of getting sick during pregnancy is much lower.
Diagnosis of cystitis
When diagnosing cystitis, certain difficulties arise. Sometimes cystitis is confused with urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Urethritis is characterized by discomfort, pain, burning during urination, with cystitis, urination is usually painful. A woman only feels frequent, sometimes false, urge to urinate. Blood and mucus may be present at the end of urination. In acute cystitis, the temperature may rise and pain may occur with cystitis in the lower abdomen.
Remember, not only the disease of cystitis can provoke frequent and painful urination, other diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract also cause similar symptoms. In addition, there is always a chance that urine will enter the vagina during urination. This is due to the fact that most pregnant women lean back on the toilet seat in an attempt to balance their stomach. Urine collected from these women is contaminated with bacteria that are normal in the vagina but lead to misdiagnosis.
In any case, if cystitis is suspected, the site shop-ultra.ru advises to pass: general and urinalysis according to Nechiporenko, urine culture for opportunistic pathogens and infections.
The presence of leukocytes and pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, gonococci) in the analysis indicates inflammation of the bladder mucosa. It will not be superfluous to study a pregnant woman for dysbacteriosis and conduct an ultrasound diagnosis of the genitourinary organs in order to exclude concomitant diseases.
To confirm the diagnosis, cystoscopy is performed - an examination of all the walls of the bladder with a cystoscope through the urethra. The procedure is performed by a urologist. Cystoscopy can reveal how advanced the inflammatory process is, where it is localized, whether there are tumors or stones in the bladder.
In addition, with cystitis, cystography (X-ray examination of the bladder) is indicated, however, any X-ray effects are contraindicated for pregnant women!
Treatment of cystitis during pregnancy
Cystitis, self-medication and pregnancy are not compatible! Any medication must be prescribed by a doctor. However, be careful! Pregnant women are often prescribed drugs that are not compatible with her situation! And in general, medication is not recommended throughout pregnancy (except for vitamins, herbal preparations and special complexes).
Sulfanilamide drugs (streptocide, etazol, urosulfan, sulfadimethoxine, biseptol, sulfalene,) or tetracyclines, for example, can cause fetal disorders, so read what you are prescribed. If in doubt, look for another doctor.
In addition, pay attention to a procedure such as bladder instillation, in which all drugs are injected into the bladder. You can eliminate discomfort in 1-2 procedures, and subsequent procedures help relieve inflammation of the bladder wall and prevent the return of symptoms for some time. You may not be able to completely recover from cystitis, but you will avoid a threat to the life and health of the child and will be able to bear the child and give birth without problems.
Prevention of cystitis
You should also not give up small precautions, because the prevention of cystitis is always the best way to protect yourself and your child. First, do not delay emptying the bladder, this will help prevent cystitis. After sex, also empty your bladder, in which case you will reduce the risk of opportunistic microflora entering through the urethra.
Third, drink plenty of fluids. The use of cranberry juice and juice is very useful. In addition to useful elements and vitamins, cranberries can acidify urine. This prevents the development of infections. Drinking liquid in large quantities, of course, is only possible if there are no contraindications from the obstetrician-gynecologist and a predisposition to edema.
Take care of yourself!
The article was prepared for the site shop-ultra.ru.
