Urinary Complications

Urinary tract infection is a common problem during pregnancy. Its cause lies in the stasis of urine which occurs during pregnancy and encourages the formation of a reservoir of organisms. Trauma during labor or inadequate Vulval hygiene leading to an ascending infection predisposes to its recurrence during the puerperium. Such recurrent infections may lead to chronic pylonephritis.

Cause - usually Escherichia coli

Sign and symptom

· Malaise

· ache and pains in the back and flank

· pain on micturation in some cases

More severe infection may consist of either acute cystitis characterized by scalding on micturation, or pylonephritis which causes a raised temperature, pain over the kidney and haematuria.

Investigation

A midstream specimen of urine for bacteriological investigation

Treatment - Antibiotic ampicillin, nitrofurantion or nalidixic acid