E. coli is an illness generally caused by a dirty environment. Although the effects of this infection usually pass over within a week, it’s still pretty awful while you’re suffering. Scroll down to know everything about E.coli in pregnancy.
What is an E. coli Infection?
Escherichia coli or Ecoli is a bacterium present in your vagina and intestines naturally. It is usually harmless, but when the bacterium enters areas like the kidneys and the stomach, it does emerge. There are different strains of E. Coli bacterium, of which some are considered to be dangerous. Those kinds of E. Coli can cause infections and other pregnancy problems.
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Sources of E. coli
While there are other forms of E. Coli are naturally present in your body, and there are others that enter your body through various media. Such sources of E. Coli shown below:
- Non-purified or polluted tap-water, in particular when it comes into contact with farm or sewage water.
- Water in swimming pools that have not been filtered or treated with chlorine
- Unpasteurized fruit juices
- Uncooked meat
- Unpasteurized milk
- Unwashed vegetables and fruits
E. coli can also be passed by touch. If you are touched by a person who has E. coli bacteria in his hand there is a strong likelihood that you will become infected
Symptoms of E. coli in Pregnancy
Some of the signs of infection with Escherichia coli during pregnancy include:
1. Abdominal Cramps
Any kind of pain felt in the abdominal region during pregnancy becomes really difficult for a pregnant woman to bear.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition that often discharges fecal matter into a liquid state. You may have moderate diarrhea, watery stools or extreme bloody ones.
3. Gas
The human body naturally produces gas through digestion. Sometimes, if you eat other fiber-rich foods, it will create even more gas It is probably a normal amount even though you believe you suffer from excessive gas. Infection due to E. Coli bacteria have an effect on your GIT and therefore creates more gas.
4. Fever
It is said you have a fever if the temperature of your body is greater than 98,6 F. Normally, a person is not considered to have a high fever until the temperature of the body is over 100.4 F.
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5. Pale Skin
Pale skin or paleness is an irregular skin color lightness compared to the normal skin tone, which may have been caused by a reduction in the red blood cell count, or reductions in oxygen and blood flow. It is also referred to as pallor or pale complexion.
6. Dehydration
Dehydration requires an unnecessary loss of water from the body. Gastrointestinal tract diseases that cause diarrhea or vomiting may cause dehydration.
7. Nausea
It is the most popular Ecoli symptom: a groggy stomach sensation or a bad feeling in the back of your throat. ]
8. Skin Bruising
The bruise is an injury or mark where the skin is darker in color but has not been cracked.
How E.coli Affect Pregnancy
In a pregnant woman, E. coli infection will affect your pregnancy by increasing the multiple complications:
- E. Coli can induce diarrhea leading to loss of body fluids that lead to dehydration. This can cause problems such as neural tube defects and poor amniotic fluid.
- The pregnant woman may in some rare cases start bleeding heavily. Therefore, in the case of severe E.coli infection there could be a risk of premature membrane rupture miscarriage premature delivery or stillbirth.
- It is also said to be E. Coli infection has the potential to cause low birth weight.
Treatment of an E.coli in Pregnancy
Pregnant women may be taking an antibiotic course to combat E.coli infection. You will make sure the antibiotics are healthy for both the fetus and the mother Nitrofurantoin and Cephalosporins are some antibiotics that can be used to combat E.coli infection. Many healthy people get recuperated from E. Coli within a few days, without taking any medication.
You should only take antibiotics after a medical professional has given you a prescription.
Prevention of an E.Coli in Pregnancy
E. coli in pregnancy should be prevented by:
- After you use or clean the toilet, use linen or dirty towels, changing diapers and handling pets, always wash your hands with soap. That’s because of E. Coli and fecal matter are found in the urine.
- Make sure the meat is properly cooked.
- Clean any surface with bleach or disinfectants that touches raw meat. Drink milk, ciders, and juice just pasteurized.
- In a container of salted water, place all fruit and vegetables before consuming.
- The water could be contaminated, so you should avoid swimming.
Consult your doctor early on if you think you may have an E.coli infection. If it is detected on time it can be easily treated. One of the easiest ways to prevent E.coli infection is to make sure that your air is safe and try to eat cooked meals properly.
Also Read: Effects Of Infections During Pregnancy
