Cystitis is common during pregnancy as the pressure and engorgement of blood vessels in the pelvic area exposes a vulnerability to urinary tract infection. Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine. If left untreated, cystitis can be painful and in more serious cases can affect the kidneys.
Drink 2-3 litres of water daily.
Try massaging your lower abdomen with the following blend: 25mls grapeseed base oil with two drops lavender essential oil (As a precaution AVOID all essential oils in the first trimester).
Use three drops of lavender essential oil in the bath (As a precaution AVOID all essential oils in the first trimester).
Barley has a cooling, anti-inflammatory action on the urinary tract. To make barley water, simmer 50gms unrefined barley in 1 litre of water for 40 minutes. Cool, strain and add a little fresh lemon juice and sip slowly.
Avoid fatty and fried foods as these increase the acidity in your system.
Avoid coffee and alcohol as these are also acidic and aggravate urinary tract infection.
Avoid unripe and acidic fruits including oranges (lemon and grapefruit have an alkaline action once in the body and are therapeutic)
Drink cornsilk, marshmallow or yarrow tea.
Cranberry juice is recognised as a tonic for the urinary tract, clearing infection.
Avoid wearing nylon pants. Instead wear cotton pants and tights with a cotton panel or air holes in the gusset.
Toilet hygiene is important. Always wipe away from the genital area to avoid spreading bacteria.
Self-help acupressure point Bladder 23, Bladder 47 (Use gentle pressure during first eight months of pregnancy).