Pregnancy comes with risks. A pregnant women can acquire different sort of infections. One of them is infection caused by Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli (E. coli) are a group of bacterium that live in your gut / intestines and vagina as good bacteria. There are many different types (strains) of E. coli bacteria. Most strains of E. coli are harmless to humans, but some can cause severe illness. Mostly they cause Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).  Some ways people can get infected with E. coli are:

• Eating contaminated raw and unwashed fruits and vegetables;
• Drinking unpasteurized milk, milk products and fruit juices;
• Eating raw or undercooked meat;
• Drinking infected water;
• Coming into contact with feces of infected person or animal.

Escherichia Coli Infection During Pregnancy: 11 Symptoms and Treatments

There are many signs and symptoms that will make you aware about the infection. Following symptoms are seen:

Abdominal cramps

People often refer to a “stomachache” or “abdominal cramps” to refer to pain that is perceived anywhere in the abdominal area. During pregnancy it becomes more difficult for a woman to bear it.

Nausea

It is the commonest symptom. Nausea is characterized by an unpleasant feeling in back of throat or a queasy feeling in stomach which may or may not be associated with vomiting.

Vomiting

It is the forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach via the mouth. It may be preceded by nausea.

Diarrhea

A condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form. It may range from mild watery stools diarrhea to severe bloody ones.

Gas

The body naturally produces gas — and produces even more if you eat certain foods, particularly if you’ve just increased the amount of fiber in your diet. Even if you feel like you suffer from excessive gas, it’s probably a normal amount. But if too much gas is making you feel uncomfortable. Getting rid of excess gas, either by burping or passing gas (flatus), also is normal. Infection with E. coli affects your GIT causing gas.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness. This bacterial infection can make you feel weak.

Fever

Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C)

Blood in urine

If the infection is left undiagnosed or untreated severe symptoms can be seen, such as blood appears in urine

Skin bruising

An injuryor mark where the skin has not been broken but is darker in color.

Pale skin

Paleness, also known as pale complexion or pallor, is an unusual lightness of skin color compared with your normal complexion. Paleness may be caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen or by a decreased number of red blood cells.

Dehydration

Excessive loss of body water. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that cause vomiting or diarrhea may lead to dehydration.

If you have any of these symptoms visit your doctor as soon as possible. And don’t worry, it is curable.

Lets know few things  about the Treatment for the infection

Pregnant women should be treated when bacteria in urine is identified. The antibiotic should also be safe for the mother and fetus. Antibiotics are medicines that inhibit the growth of bacteria or treat bacterial infections. Amoxycillin was drug of choice but now bacteria has become resistant to this antibiotic i.e. amoxicillin now may not have any effect on bacteria.

Therefore, Cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin are used; they are safe for pregnant mothers; as both have high urinary concentration and are effective against E. coli. But, don’t take any medicine without consulting the professional doctor. Your doctor will tell you which medicine is safe for you and your baby.  He will prescribe an antibiotic that is pregnancy-safe but still effective in killing off bacteria in your body.  As your any step will have equal effect on your developing new born, so be careful.

You must be also worried about, that can a UTI while pregnant hurt the baby?

I will end your curiosity. If the UTI goes untreated, it may lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections may cause early labor and low birth weight. If your doctor treats a urinary tract infection early and properly, the UTI will not cause any harm to your baby.

So, this is all I want to tell you about E.Coli infection, symptoms and treatment. You can get further details from your doctor.