Recurrent UTI/bladder infection in pregnancy

[trampampam]

I need some help overhere -
I'm B"H 36wks right now and about 4 wks ago I was diagnosed with a UTI and after trying the natural remedies - cranberry juice, drinking lots of water, probiotics etc without much success - went onto antibiotics. I responded to the first dose, but after I finished the 4 days course - the UTI came back about 30hrs later. So my midwife put me on the repeat course and the same thing happened. Next I had a 10 days course of another antibiotic and again the same thing happened - no symptoms while I'm taking it, but everything comes back as soon as I stop. Now I'm back onto antibiotic, but the thing is that I have mild symptoms even though I'm taking antibiotic. My midwife doesn't know what to do with me at this point.
Anyone have any experience with it? Anyone tried homeopathy?
Thanks!!!!!

[Chavelamomela]

Here are some tips that I've used to deal with chronic UTI's:

1. Take acidophilus - take LOTS (5-6 pills) every HOUR for as long as you feel symptoms. Keep taking them. Once the symtoms subside, take 1-2 pills daily.
If symptoms reoccur, increase the dose until they go away again.

2. Try a yogurt compress - take Plain yogurt and scoop some onto a maxi pad, and wear on your underwear. Change & clean frequently.

The topical solution is both refreshing & soothing to the sore area and also can help replenish the local flora.

Good luck!

[elisheva]

Oy. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. Is it possible to "go commando" as much as possible? I know when I'm pregnant I have dampness issues that lead to irritation.

My MW recommends cranberry capsules as the juice contains a lot of sugar even unsweetened. I've also heard it recommended to totally eliminate sugar and refined carbs to help contain bladder infections.

And perhaps on the not-so-great-news end of things, this will likely resolve once you give birth. I've known lots of friends who've have weird recurrent, unsolvable issues when pregnant (yeast, etc.) and the problem just *poof* disappears after baby comes. Cold comfort when you're so uncomfortable now, though.

[trampampam]

Thanks elisheva and chavela,
I'm also hoping that this thing will go away as soon as the baby is out, but I do have a good few more weeks to go. I saw a homeopath today and he prescribed some remedies, which I hope will take care of it.

[gilima]

D-mannose is really good for recurrent uti's, it prevents the e coli from adhering to the bladder wall. It's actually awesome! It is all natural and is supposed to be totally safe. d-mannose is actually a simple sugar structurally related to glucose which is found in many fruits like cranberry and is even produced in our own bodies. Since it is not metabolized,it is even safe for diabetics. I would check dosage your midwife.
Sometimes, in pregnancy due to pressure on the bladder, probiotic imbalance etc; it can cause the bladder not completely empty and bacteria can proliferate.
it should resolve on it's own after baby comes!!