Women who experience an untreated urinary tract infection during their third trimester of pregnancy are at greater risk of delivering a child who suffers from mental retardation or developmental delay.
However, women who take medication within the first few days of a UTI diagnosis are at no increased risk.
Urinary tract infections are a common complication during pregnancy, occurring in about 5% to 7% of pregnancies -- and in 15% to 20% of the women in this study. Risk factors include previous infections before pregnancy, high sexual activity and diabetes.
The researchers found a 40% increased risk for mental retardation among children whose mothers had a UTI during their third trimester. Fetal death was twice as likely among women who had a UTI in the third trimester.
However, the data also showed that women whose infections were treated with antibiotics showed no greater risk of having a child with mental retardation.
Women often feel like martyrs when they don't expose their children to medication during pregnancy. But there's evidence the bacteria will harm the baby. When there are signs of a urinary tract infection, one should get it diagnosed and get treated. These medications have been tested on pregnant women.
UTI symptoms include frequent urges to urinate and a painful, burning sensation during urination.
Journal of Family Practice May 2001;50:433-437
An interesting piece of information that may greatly benefit those who are pregnant. It is generally wise to avoid antibiotics if at all possible, but when a woman is in her third trimester it would appear reasonable to take a bit more aggressive stance to eliminate the bladder bacteria considering the potentially serious consequences.
Mannose, the active ingredient found in cranberries, is both safe and effective when more conservative approaches are indicated.
In the past, mannose has been difficult to obtain due to costs and manufacturing capabilities. The pure, high-quality form has just recently become commercially available as a natural supplement, and now I can finally offer it to you!
ClearTract D-Mannose is not a drug. This nutritional supplement occurs naturally in peaches, apples, and berries. D-mannose is a rare saccharide found in some plant and food substances -- and we even produce it in our own bodies. Non-toxic and safe, ClearTract D-Mannose:
The mannose actually adheres to the receptors on the lining of the bladder that attach to the bacteria. This forces the bacteria to slide right off and into the toilet. It is amazingly effective, but you must remember it is only a Band-Aid, though a far safer one than prophylactic antibiotic use or cranberry juice.
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Does Cranberry Juice Have Antibacterial Acitivty? Looking at the Color Of Your Urine Can Diagnose an Infection or If You're Dehydrated
Does Cranberry Juice Have Antibacterial Acitivty?
Looking at the Color Of Your Urine Can Diagnose an Infection or If You're Dehydrated