Can You Take Azo While Pregnant? - Yes, But Keep These in Mind.

Being pregnant makes you more susceptible to UTIs. Your defenses lower to help your body put all its might into growing a little human but unfortunately for mom, this means increased risk from infections.

Even though some infections are deemed harmless, taking medication whilst pregnant can come with risks which is why we aim to uncover, can you take Azo while pregnant?

Can You Actually Take Azo While Pregnant?

To answer in short, taking azo while pregnant is deemed safe during pregnancy. It is a good choice for helping with the discomforts of a UTI.

It reduces the inflammation causing bacteria in the urinary tract leaving you feeling relief from your symptoms. There is no risk to your baby as it is not absorbed into your body but always check with professionals before taking any new medication.

Azo and Pregnancy – What the Experts Say

Many pregnant women who experience UTI symptoms wonder if it is safe to take Azo. According to the American Pregnancy Association, Azo is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. The safety of Azo during pregnancy has not been extensively studied, so it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks.

Some medical experts recommend avoiding Azo during the first trimester of pregnancy due to the limited data available on its safety. However, the risks of using Azo during pregnancy are considered low. According to Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine, “Phenazopyridine is not considered a major human teratogen, which means it has not been shown to cause birth defects in humans.”

Azo Side Effects and Risks during Pregnancy

While Azo is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, there are some potential side effects and risks you should keep in mind. Some women may experience mild side effects such as headaches, stomach upset, or dizziness after taking Azo. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

However, there are some risks associated with using Azo during pregnancy. One concern is that it may mask the symptoms of a more serious UTI. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious infections that can harm both the mother and baby. Another concern is that Azo can turn urine a bright orange or red color, which can make it difficult to detect other changes in urine color that may indicate a more serious condition.

UTI and Pregnancy

At some point in your life, you may have been subjected to a urinary tract infection (UTI). Now you are pregnant you are at greater risk of catching a UTI than ever.

You not only have to thank your unborn child for your new waddle on the catwalk, and tiger stripes that you now wear with pride but the new hot spot for your baby to chill out is of course your bladder! As if the kicks and punches weren’t enough your little bundle of joy puts extra pressure on your bladder, especially in the third trimester which believe me can knock the wind out of you when you least expect it.

Before pregnancy, you may have never questioned reaching for some over the counter meds to help relieve you of the ‘pain in the foof’ known as a UTI. Azo is one of those top-tip medications that soon gets you feeling back to normal but the big question that needs answering is: Is Azo safe during pregnancy?

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections, otherwise known as UTIs, happen when bacteria enter your urinary tract and gather in the bladder causing painful burning sensations whilst you wee.

If left untreated sometimes it can spread to the kidneys making the infection worse and extremely painful and dangerous.

Safe Ways to Treat UTIs during Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and experiencing UTI symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your healthcare provider can perform a urine test to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In addition to antibiotics, there are some safe and effective ways to manage UTI symptoms during pregnancy.

Here are some tips to help manage UTI symptoms during pregnancy:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Take warm baths to help relieve pain and discomfort.

• Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to go.

• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear to keep the area dry and prevent irritation.

• Avoid douching or using perfumed soaps, bubble baths, or vaginal sprays in the genital area.

It is important to avoid using any other pain relievers without first consulting with your healthcare provider.

What Medications Help?

Typically any woman will understand the need to flush out their UTI yet the urge to wee isn’t met with a steady stream. The best way to do this is to up your fluids. Being pregnant you can’t just take any old medicine through fear you may harm your unborn baby.

Your body is already hard at work supporting your pregnancy and the electrolytes you produce can cause a severe UTI if you don’t hydrate enough, thank you Potassium and Magnesium.

The most common medication for the treatment of a UTI whilst pregnant is Amoxicillin or Keflex. If you opt for any medication in your pregnancy you must familiarise yourself with the side effects as you may react differently whilst pregnant.

Ensure a doctor’s consultation is made before you take any medication as many antibiotics can be harmful during pregnancy so you can’t take any old thing.

What is Azo?

Azo is well known as over the counter medication that helps with treating the symptoms of your UTI.

A UTI can appear from nowhere and knock you sideways. The symptoms can be extreme leaving you desperate for any relief but it’s important to recognize that Azo itself does not kill the bacteria growing in your bladder so using this medication alone will not get your urinary tract back to full health.

So why bother with Azo at all? If you have ever experienced a UTI you will agree with me that at times you need a quick fix fast! Antibiotics can take their time to get to work so taking this alongside can give you the physical comfort you are desperately seeking.

So, Can I Take AZO While I am Pregnant?

After bigging this drug up about how it is fast acting you may be surprised to realize you can actually take this whilst pregnant.

The main ingredient in Azo is Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride and according to the FDA it is classed as a category B medication.

Nothing has highlighted that Azo can harm your baby but on the other hand, no significant research has gone into how safe it actually is.

I believe the general rule of thumb is to always consult a trained medic before taking anything during pregnancy. Sometimes taking the risk on some medication will be more beneficial than coping with the symptoms.

Contacting your doctor at the first sign of a UTI will help to nip it in the ‘who ha’ before it has a chance to develop into a kidney infection. You will be prescribed safe antibiotics that can get to work.

The Alternative Options

Obviously it is totally normal to be cautious with taking drugs and supplements during pregnancy. The risks Azo may or may not pose to your unborn baby are unclear so take note of some other ways you can help treat your symptoms at home.

– Tylenol

A great way to keep your fever in check and used for pain relief.

– Heat Therapy

Heat pads can help with cramping however you shouldn’t apply directly to your bump as it can increase your internal temperature. Applying a hot compress on your lower back can help relax surrounding muscles.

– Hydration

As you know drinking more water whilst pregnant is a must. Your body is continuously working even when you sleep so drinking more when you have a UTI can help flush out the germs lurking in your bladder and dilute your urine meaning the burn will be less severe.

– Cranberry products

We will dig deeper into Azo cranberry pills below but before that the links to drinking cranberry juice whilst oregano is deemed safe. Cranberry can help balance the PH levels in your urine making it less acidic.

Are AZO Pills Safe During Pregnancy?

A study linked to the use of cranberry during pregnancy found that there was no significant risk to mom or baby however there was enough data to note that there could be a link to bleeding if used in later pregnancy, after or around 17 weeks.

What is the answer to the question: ‘Can I take Azo pills while pregnant?’

As these pills are known to be a supplement containing cranberry many doctors may err on the side of caution and advise against using them. This highlights the sheer importance of seeking advice before you jump the supplement bandwagon.

Symptoms of a UTI

Being pregnant you are sensitive to any changes that happen in your body. You question what is normal and what needs addressing. If anything like me, this can make you a regular in your doctors office. Any little pain, niggle can make you worry and panic for your baby.

We have collated the symptoms of a UTI to help you understand what to look out for.

Frequent Toilet Breaks

Ok so you have a tiny human using your bladder like a bouncy house, so the need to use the loo often will happen. But you should take note that UTIs can make you feel as if you need to urinate to the point of desparation then when you get there, nothing, not a dribble.

Burn

The burn whilst you pass urine will be intense, your urinary tract is inflamed and bacteria can give you a sting which can be distressing!

Blood

Any sight of blood during pregnancy can signal major red flags. Noticing blood in your urine can indicate a UTI, try not to panic too much, a trip to the doctor will get this cleared up in no time.

Pain

We have mentioned that urge to urinate. Picture yourself near to the brim bursting with a full bladder it hurts! You can imagine this pain is continuous whilst fighting a UTI. Any significant change in pains during pregnancy must be addressed.

Is Avoiding Antibiotics a Good Idea?

A massive concern linking pregnancy and UTIs is the chances it can start premature labor.

According to Drugs.com having a UTI can weaken your membranes causing your waters to rupture prematurely. This is obviously extremely dangerous for your baby so whilst some UTIs can flush out without the need for antibiotics it’s always best to treat the infection.

On the contrary, many women wish to avoid taking synthetic medicines in early pregnancy or during labor.

Your doctor will examine you and decide what the best plan of action to take, many times the benefits to taking antibiotics outweigh the risks. If you are recommended to take antibiotics for a UTI you must follow the directed dosage with caution and care. Missing doses can result in your UTI returning and taking too much can impede your health and that of your unborn baby.

With that being said, the symptoms of a UTI are very similar to pregnancy itself so you may wish to withhold using any drugs until your urine has been lab tested. Only when the results are back will you be sure that the correct antibiotics have been diagnosed and are needed.

Can I Prevent a UTI?

With anything in life, preventing infection is always a better option rather than numerous treatments. Being pregnant makes you vulnerable as we know, but there are tips you can practise to help lessen the chances of contracting a UTI.

Hydrate regularly – this can help flush out your system before the infection has a chance to take hold.

Urinate when you need to – in all fairness, the amount you will need to go to the bathroom will make you pull up a bed and just live in there but taking note not to hold on when needing the loo can help lessen the chances of having a UTI.

Front to back – if this isn’t already something you do then make it your mission to form this habit. Wiping front to back can help your urinary tract and vaginal health. When we poop the bacteria present can be easily spread to our sensitive lady bits so wiping away from your lady bits will help whilst you’re pregnant and when you are not!

Cranberry Juice – Clinical trials have proven that adding cranberry juice into your diet as a regular staple can in fact help prevent UTIs. The acid compounds in the fruit help to fight the bacteria that commonly cause UTIs. Opt for a natural unsweetened version rather than a juice with added sugars.

Seeking Medical Advice

As we have mentioned throughout it is important to consult your doctor before taking any form of medication or supplements.

Your medical team knows you and your pregnancy and will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.

At no point will your baby be put at risk but going against medical advice even if your intentions are in the right place can cause your UTI to worsen and spread to your kidneys leaving you more vulnerable to more serious infections like Sepsis.

Contrary to this, you may feel desperate to have anything to help those intense feelings. Taking Azo will help your symptoms but you need to make sure it is taken correctly especially because it can be bought over the counter.

It is especially important to consult with your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, as these conditions may affect how your body processes Azo. Your doctor can also advise you on how to safely use Azo if you are breastfeeding.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, what is the answer to can you take Azo while pregnant?

Well, it would depend on each pregnant woman. Our bodies and pregnancy journeys are unique to us and what will work for you may not for others.

Your doctor will be able to correctly determine whether Azo will be beneficial for you.

Remember to seek advice at the first indication of any UTI symptoms this will help stop those pesky symptoms from getting out of hand. Try using alternative therapies if you prefer not to take supplements but if you feel like your symptoms are getting intense then with doctor’s consent try Azo.

Pregnancy can already be a strain on your body so there is no need to add to your discomfort, just remember to get the green light from your medical team first.

Can You Take Azo While Pregnant? – Yes, But Keep These in Mind.