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Pregnancy and Childbirth: The answers
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Urinary tract infection (UTI) post-delivery

Water infection (UTI) is not uncommon following delivery. This is understandable, considering the circumstances surrounding labour and delivery itself. There may be prolonged periods of stoppage of urinary flow in the bladder. Catheterization is also more common, usually to prevent over-distension of the bladder and to ease the descent of the baby into the pelvis. All these factors increase the risk of subsequent urinary tract infection.

The infections tends to be confined to the lower urinary tract and involvement of the kidneys is rare.


 

The symptoms of UTI are usually frequency of voiding, urgency and a burning sensation when passing water. Occasionally there may be more generalized symptoms such as malaise and fever. This increases the possibility that the infection has extended higher, to the kidneys.

With symptoms like these, a urine sample is taken for urgent analysis and broad-spectrum antibiotics commenced. Relief is felt within a day or so, even though antibiotics will have to be taken for at least five days, sometimes more, to ensure eradication of the infection.

 

Post-cesarean septic thrombo-phlebitis         

Yes. Though uncommon, it deserves special separate mention because of its distinctive form of management. This is septic thrombo-phlebitis. Pelvic veins may become infected, leading to clot formation within their cavities. As the name suggests, it almost always follows cesarean section rather than vaginal delivery.

 

Once diagnosed, medication to thin the blood will have to be commenced alongside antibiotics. Blood-thinning medication will be in the form of heparin injections (to begin with). This may be changed later to oral medication (warfarin), if required. Both these drugs are safe for breast­feeding.

 

In some instances, it may be necessary to insert a filter in the major abdominal vein (inferior vena cava) to prevent more serious consequences while continuing with treatment.

 

Postnatal Thrombosis: Next Page