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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I had a kidney infection with my last pregnancy. Is there anything to prevent it this time?

A. Hi Michelle,

The first thing to do to avoid a kidney infection is to drink tons of water. Drink lots of water and cranberry juice daily. This helps wash bacteria out of your bladder and keeps you well-hydrated. Avoiding sugary beverages like colas also helps retard the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract. The second thing is to see your caregiver at the first sign of a urinary tract infection (frequent urination, urgency, burning...) for treatment. Most kidney infections occur from an untreated urinary tract infection.

Good luck!

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.