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Urinary tract infection during pregnancy
I am pregnant with my second child. With my first, I had a urinary tract infecton which left me hospitalised at 25 weeks gestation. In between pregnancies, I have used cranberry tablets to ward off infection but are these safe to take during pregnancy?
The honest answer is that we simply do not know. You can certainly safely use cranberry juice to help keep the bacteria responsible for this infection under control (the therapeutic daily dose is 10oz) but there is no research into the risks of taking a therapeutic concentrated cranberry dose in capsule form during both pregnancy and lactation. I have been assured it is safe for you to continue with the tablets - but in your shoes, I would exercise caution and find an “alternative” alternative which we can guarantee is problem-free.
There are probiotic suppositories available from qualified practitioners which would help prevent re-infection without any risk to the pregnancy, but these are not currently being sold over-the-counter so you would need to find a local nutritionist or herbalist who can help. This would be a good idea in any event since you would then get the support you need for the rest of your pregnancy. To find a medical herbalist, contact The Institute of Medical Herbalists on 01392-426022. To find a naturopath, who will draw on herbalism, homeopathy and nutrition to tailor-make a treatment programme, contact The British Naturopathic Association 01458-840072 which offers free referrals.
In the meantime, since urinary infections in pregnancy are often exacerbated by or the result of constipation, two remedies can safely help. Biocare’s Bio-acidophilus is a good quality probiotic which costs £17.45 for 60 veggie capsules. Mail order on 0121-433 3727. To prevent constipation, you can also use Lepicol, made from fibre-rich psyllium husks. To take it, add water and drink. It costs £7.99 for 180g. Mail order on 0500-127249.