The pregnancy phase is prone to multiple adversities with some brutal causing harm to the fetus. Ureaplasma is a silent occurring urinary tract or genital tract inhabitant bacteria that can live within the human reproductive system without causing any symptoms. During pregnancy, the bacteria (Ureaplasma genus of Mycoplasma) can cause major pregnancy complications and can only be detected through the Ureaplasma test.
Ureaplasma Strains
Individuals availing the Ureaplasma infections can cohabit any of the two major strains:
- Ureaplasma Urealyticum
- Ureaplasma parvum
Though the majority of the cases are found in women this does exempt male individuals. However, Ureaplasma infection can cohabitate in healthy individuals without any complications or symptoms.
Ureaplasma effects on the fetus
Pregnant women tend to show symptoms that if not attended can affect the newborn in multiple ways. The Ureaplasma Urealyticum bacteria occurs more on amniotic fluid. The infections offer a likelihood of stillbirth, preterm babies, abortion, and amniotic fluid rapture. For more advanced consequences, the infant is susceptible to respiratory infections, meningitis, brain injury, pneumonia, and more.
However, the bacteria can also silently dwell in the amniotic fluid and show no symptoms. This works on a case-to-case basis with some women presenting high pregnancy risks and others going through the gestation period safely. The bacteria tend to manifest more during the second trimester with some showing signs of infection and others completing the terms safely. To achieve a healthy pregnancy it’s wise to avail Ureaplasma test and regular checks by a qualified doctor.
Amniotic Fluid (Chorioamnionitis) due to Ureaplasma
Chorioamnionitis is a renowned infection among pregnant women that affects the placenta and amniotic fluid. Ureaplasma SPP operates among the top causes of Chorioamnionitis. The bacteria is present in the female genital or birth canal thus affecting the pregnancy. This can easily cause amniotic sac rapture which in turn presents premature birth or preterm births.
Fatal effects of Ureaplasma
Besides the amniotic fluid rapture effect, Ureaplasma comes with various effects on pregnancy such as:
- Preterm rapture
- Preterm delivery
- Funisitis
- Neonatal morbidity
- Postpartum endometritis
- UTI
- Vaginitis
Ureaplasma symptoms during Pregnancy
Ureaplasma symptoms don’t differ much in women (whether pregnant or not). The bacterial offer the same results which can be detected by the following symptoms:
- Vaginal odor (fish-like odor)
- Clear vaginal discharge
- Redness and pain during urination.
- Inflamed genital tract
- Burning sensation
- For severe cases breaking of the amniotic sac.
Approved treatment methods for Ureaplasma in Pregnant women
Ureaplasma testing allows one to detect and clear assumptions. The test is conducted through simple procedures such as:
- Swab on the vagina and uterine lining/urethra.
- Urine sample
- Amniotic fluid sample
- Cerebrospinal fluid.
Once the samples are collected and analyzed the doctor can administer the right drugs.
Ureaplasma bacteria are mostly treated using antibiotics such as Azithromycin, Tetracycline, or Fluoroquinolones. However, each case is unique as some Ureaplasma bacteria don’t work with certain antibiotics. Your health practitioner can review the treatment and provide the correct drug.
Fertility and Ureaplasma
With multiple ongoing searches, Ureaplasma bacteria has a hand in various pregnancy factors. Though not the primary trigger Ureaplasma contributes to pro-inflammatory response. In other cases, the bacterial is associated with bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory issues, and infertility.
The Ureaplasma parvum or UP is highly associated with non-gonococcal urethritis which is a bacteria for Prostatitis and epididymitis that may lead to infertility. With more developments in research individuals seeking to conceive should get a Ureaplasma test before and during the pregnancy for an easy term.
Conclusion
For women going through the pregnancy phase a regular bacterial check will enhance the fetus survival rate. It will reduce any potential risk for both the mother and unborn child.
