Do You Have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Postpartum?
Here’s how to tell if you have one and what to do about it.
A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary system which can occur at any time but is common postpartum.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Burning or stinging when going wee/mimi
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or smelly urine.
It’s important to see a doctor right away if you think you have a UTI or if you notice any of these symptoms, as leaving it untreated can result in the infection spreading to your kidneys.
Once the UTI is confirmed from a urine sample, the most commonly recommended course of treatment is antibiotics. If the infection is severe, you may need to have the antibiotics administered via an IV drip in the hospital.
To reduce your chances of developing a urinary tract infection, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and empty your bladder regularly to flush out any bacteria. If you’re having difficulty urinating after birth or are feeling like you aren’t able to empty your bladder fully, speak to your LMC as you may need to visit a women’s health physio for a post-birth appointment.
