Patient's question:
When my wife was pregnant, she was already 35 years old, making her a high-risk pregnancy. The whole family was cautious, afraid of any mishap. Fortunately, after five months of pregnancy, half of the difficult journey was over, and my wife's health condition was normal with no major issues. However, just as we started to feel relieved, the situation changed unexpectedly. In the past week, she has frequently experienced frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination. On one occasion, she even had high fever and vomiting.Doctor's answer:
Women are more susceptible to bacterial infections due to anatomical characteristics (such as a shorter urethra and a urethral opening that is directly adjacent to the vagina and anus, which are prone to bacterial accumulation). Bacteria can easily invade the urethra and ascend to the renal pelvis, causing pyelonephritis. During pregnancy, the ureters are dilated under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, leading to tissue relaxation, widened lumen, and slow peristalsis. This results in urine retention in the ureters and renal pelvis, further creating conditions for bacterial growth and reproduction in these areas.If a pregnant woman contracts the disease, she often exhibits urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria. Some may also experience chills, high fever, and vomiting. If not treated thoroughly, recurrent episodes can lead to chronic pyelonephritis or even progress to renal failure. Due to the acute onset and severe symptoms, many pregnant women experience a decline in appetite, even severe vomiting, which may result in ketosis and directly endanger the life of the fetus.
To ensure the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus, it is important to maintain good hygiene, keep the external genitalia clean, wash underwear frequently, and bathe regularly. After defecating, it is advisable to wipe from front to back to avoid polluting the urethra. After sexual intercourse, the woman should urinate once to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra. Pregnant women should also engage in moderate physical exercise to strengthen the body's disease resistance and prevent bacterial invasion. Additionally, drinking plenty of plain water and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits can increase urine output, flush the urethra, and prevent bacterial growth.
If pyelonephritis occurs, prompt treatment is necessary. Medications that are harmful to the kidneys, such as gentamicin, kanamycin, and iodine-containing contrast agents, should be avoided.