Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys. Pyelonephritis is one of several urinary tract infections, or UTIs, including cystitis, which is caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli.
Many of the symptoms of pyelonephritis are similar to those of cystitis. They include a frequent urge to urinate, and a stinging, burning sensation when doing so. Other symptoms include a fever and chills, and often a pain in the back or sides (more frequently in the right side).
If it hurts when you apply pressure to one or both kidneys, you probably have pyelonephritis. Blood in the urine is often the sign of a severe infection and many women also experience nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, like cystitis, many of these symptoms are also common complaints of pregnancy.
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Pyelonephritis often develops from an untreated case of cystitis, but does occasionally occur without it. Affecting about one or two percent (1 - 2 in 100) pregnant women, it is most prevalent during the third trimester.
Unlike cystitis, pyelonephritis can affect the functioning of the placentaThe placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.
Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.
It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. It should be treated immediately, since during late pregnancy it is also a risk factor for premature labor.
The treatments that prove effective in alleviating cystitis can also prove helpful with a pyelonephritis infection. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluid to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract. Cranberry, orange, lemon or grapefruit juice can acidify the urine and kill bacteria. An alkaline based drink such as a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate may also be helpful. Some women find a hot water bottle or heat pad placed against the painful area to provide effective relief.
Antibiotics can treat the infection effectively, often within a couple of weeks. Frequently, women are administered to hospital and given an IVThe delivery of fluid, often glucose, directly into the vein using a plastic catheter, and bag of fluid.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. with fluid to combat dehydration and antibiotics. This treatment has proven to be effective with ninety percent (9 in 10) women feeling better in two days.
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