40 weeks - why is UTI particularly bad at this time?

[springerspaniel]

Had my 40 week check with MW yesterday. She said there was a slight sign of UTI in urine so sent off to lab. Drink lots of water until results just in case.

Fair enough.

But she said, 'you really don't want a UTI this close to labour.'

I know you never want a UTI but why do I really not want one at the moment?

Didn't think to ask at the time.

I know that they fear it can bring on premature labour - but that's not an issue for you so it must be the risk of infection spreading or getting worse with labour. Also the trauma on the old nether regions is bad enough with labour - the last thing you'd want is frequent burning wee on top of everything else!!

Not sure - she probably just meant that you will want to be as healthy as possible for the labor?

I have a kidney problem anyway and in pregnancy it's quite painful and in labor it can be very very painful....

If it was a serious infection, wouldn't she have referred you to the GP for antibiotics?

That's pretty much what I thought. I've just read about minor UTIs turning into nasty kidney infections.

She said it was only a trace so would wait for to see if path lab confirmed it.

In the meantime, just bought some splendid cranberry and raspberry juice from M&S. Ooh and a cream cake because that might help too.

drink cranberry juice by the gallon and lots and lots of water! (the m & s stuff is lovely

You'll be fine - but try to avoid a catheter as those really hurt!

Best of luck with the baby!!!

A catheter? Who said anything about a catheter?

Aaargh. Off I go to the kitchen again for more cranberry juice.

...and maybe a biscuit.

Sorry - didn't mean to freak you out!

I have a kidney problem that is quite unusual, and they like to monitor it during labor.

I didn't mean to scare you! Really .

Believe me, you get tested right up until the head pops out, so am sure it will all be OK for you.