Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Pregnancy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Safe Treatment & Prevention (2026 Evidence-Based Guide)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Pregnancy: Symptoms, up Diagnosis, Safe Treatment & Prevention (2026 Evidence-Based Guide):
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Humaira Latif, MBBS:Gynecologist & Obstetrician | Ultrasound Specialist | Women's Health Educator
Last Updated: June 2026.
Table Of Content:
- Why Are UTIs So Common in Pregnancy?
- Types of UTIs in Pregnancy
- Symptoms to Watch For
- UTI vs Normal Pregnancy Symptoms
- UTI vs Preterm Labor
- Causes and Risk Factors
- How UTIs Are Diagnosed
- Safe Treatment Options
- Recurrent UTIs
- GBS in Urine
- Risks of Untreated UTIs
- Prevention Strategies
- Myths vs Facts
- Postpartum UTIs
- When to Call Your Doctor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Free Pregnancy UTI Checklist.
1. Why Are UTIs So Common in Pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes a number of physiological changes, including some that will encourage the establishment of bacteria in your urinary tract. These changes are natural and aid in supporting a successful pregnancy, but can cause the urinary tract to function less effectively, and therefore provide an environment that is conducive to bacteria.
Based on these issues, it is important to note that all UTIs during pregnancy should be treated as a serious infection and as such should be evaluated and treated with caution.
Hormonal Changes Contribute To Slower Urine Flow:
One of the biggest factors in this phenomenon is hormonal changes related to increased levels of progesterone, a hormone that is responsible for the development of many of the characteristics associated with pregnancy.
For instance, progesterone causes smooth muscles (including those in the urinary tract) to relax. As a result, the urinary tract (where urine travels from your kidneys to your bladder) has more relaxed walls, causing urine to flow more slowly from your kidneys to your bladder.
As urine stays in the urinary tract longer than normal, there is more time for bacteria to reproduce.
Effects of Progesterone On Urinary Tract:
- Relaxation of the ureters
- Slow transport of urine
- Increased stasis of urine
- Increased potential for the growth of bacteria.
Due to the enlargement of the uterus, which grows as the baby grows during the course of pregnancy, the bladder and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) are put under increased pressure by the expanding uterus; therefore, most women have an increased urine frequency due to the reduced capacity of the bladder to store the amount of urine produced.
The excessive pressure can also cause incomplete emptying of the bladder and the result of urine being left in the bladder can provide an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
There also are several mild changes in the composition of urine as a result of pregnancy, with some women having small amounts of glucose detected in their urine (glucosuria).
Some women may also develop urine that contains additional nutrients that provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth; while these changes are not necessarily harmful, they are factors that can make a urinary tract infection more likely.
Common Urine Changes During Pregnancy:
The Female Urethra Is Naturally Short:
Females have shorter urethras than males.
This means that bacteria must only travel a short distance to reach a person's bladder, making it easier for bacteria to infect the bladder than for males to become infected.
Although this anatomical feature of females is true throughout their lives, this issue becomes increasingly important with the development of the fetus during pregnancy; i.e. urinary stasis is already present in the mother during pregnancy.
The Importance of this is:
Easier access for bacteria to the bladder.
The speed at which they will reach the bladder is greater.
Increasing the risk of recurrent infections:
Pregnancy Effects Immune System
When a woman becomes pregnant, her immune system undergoes natural changes.
These changes allow her body to accept the developing fetus as a natural occurrence.
However, as beneficial as these immune changes are to the health of the pregnancy, they also decrease the mother's body's natural ability to rid itself of bacteria prior to developing an infection.
These Immune Changes May Result in:
Increased risk of developing an infection.
Delayed clearance of bacteria from the mother's body.
Increased incidence of asymptomatic bacteria.
Why Is so Important to Screen For This?
One of the things that makes the care of pregnant women unique is that when a woman is pregnant, it is routine to screen for asymptomatic bacteriuria.
This occurs when a woman has bacteria in her urine, but does not display signs of an infection.
In non-pregnant women, the treatment of this infection may not be necessary in all or most cases.
However, asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women typically results in severe consequences if left untreated.
Some Severe Consequences of This are:
- Acute cystitis.
- Kidney infection.
- Pre-term labor.
- Low birth weight.
- Hospitalization of mother.
Therefore, urine cultures should be checked as part of the early prenatal visit.
2. Types of UTIs in Pregnancy.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) come in several forms. Some affect only the bladder while others may extend to the kidneys and potentially develop into life-threatening complications.
Recognizing the types of UTIs helps women to identify early signs and symptoms, and understand the importance of proper management of UTIs during pregnancy by healthcare professionals.
Three primary forms of UTIs are experienced by women who are pregnant:
1. Asymptomatic bacteriuria
2. Acute cystitis
3. Pyelonephritis
1. Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB):
Asymptomatic bacteriuria refers to a situation in which an individual has bacteria in their urine but no overt, clinical symptoms or signs that an infection is present.
Many women may feel well and in good health even if there is an infection developing.
Routine laboratory studies on urine during prenatal visits for pregnant women is extremely important for this reason; if there is no laboratory study performed to test for ASB, it is likely that an individual with ASB will not be identified (or diagnosed) until such time as there are complications related to ASB.
Key Points To Consider Regarding ASB:
- There will be no symptoms in the majority of women.
- Most cases are identified by urine culture.
- If asymptomatic bacteriuria is not treated, it can progress to a kidney infection.
- During pregnancy, it is necessary to treat asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Why This is Important:
Asymptomatic bacteriuria typically will not require treatment outside of pregnancy.
However, as pointed out in various studies, if asymptomatic bacteriuria is not treated during pregnancy, the woman with asymptomatic bacteriuria is at increased risk for -
2. Acute Cystitis:
Acute cystitis is one of the common urinary tract infections found during pregnancy and you will get symptomatic treatment.
You will usually find acute cystitis to be a localized infection that remains in the bladder or lower urinary tract.
Your bladder infections may usually be less severe than kidney infections but most often will still need to be treated quickly to avoid complications.
Typical Symptoms of Acute Cystitis
Most women experience their symptoms suddenly.
Typical symptoms comprise of:
- Burning sensation with urination.
- Discomfort with urination.
- Frequent need to urinate.
- An urgent desire to urinate.
- Discomfort in the abdomen.
- Discomfort in the pelvis.
- Discoloured urine.
- An odour to the urine.
Some women also have:
- Blood in the urine.
- Discomfort in the lower back.
- Nauseated sensations.
What Causes Bladder Infections?
The most common manner in which bacteria typically enter the bladder after travelling through the urethra is through the ingestion of microorganisms from your gastrointestinal tract
The primary bacterium that causes bladder infections is
Escherichia coli (E. coli).
E. coli is responsible for a majority of urinary tract infections that affect women during their pregnancies.
Signs Of Possible Cystitis.
Clinical Tip:
A bladder infection may not cause fever. Many women mistakenly assume that the absence of fever means they do not have a UTI.
3. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) -
A Serious Complication Of Pregnancy
Pyelonephritis is a serious complication of pregnancy because it usually requires hospitalization and the use of antibiotics to treat the infection. The rise in bacteria above the bladder into one or both kidneys creates pyelonephritis.
When compared to the other, cystitis, pyelonephritis is associated with an increased chance of developing into a systemic illness and requires hospital treatment.
Kidney infections pose a risk to both maternal and fetal health. A kidney infection increases the likelihood of:
- Maternal septicemia
- Hospitalization for treatment of the kidney infection
- Preterm labor due to high fevers caused by the infection or dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
- Respiratory complications related to the kidney infection
- Severe dehydration from vomiting and/or diarrhea caused by the kidney infection
Due to the increased risk of serious illness and death to both mother and baby, pyelonephritis is considered an obstetrical emergency.
Signs and Symptoms of Pyelonephritis:
The signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis are usually more severe than the symptoms of cystitis.
The following symptoms are typically present with pyelonephritis:
- Body temperatures greater than 38ºC (100.4ºF)
- Chills
- Severe pain located in the back
- Severe pain in either kidney
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Generalized weakness
Women with pyelonephritis can also have symptoms of cystitis such as:
- Burning with urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Frequent urges to urinate
Location of Flank Pain
Flank pain is felt:
- Underneath the ribs
- On both sides of the back
- Around the kidneys.
Isolation of flank pain is an important sign in that it may indicate that the kidney infection has spread beyond the bladder.
3. Symptoms of UTIs During Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, urinary tract infection symptoms can be subtle, confusing, or mistaken for regular pregnancy changes. Because of this, many infections go undiagnosed until they have progressed.
In addition, many pregnant women experience frequent urination from hormonal and physical changes.
However, urinary tract infection symptoms will usually feel different than the normal changes and most likely will occur with discomfort or pain.
Recognizing early signs is important because getting treatment early can help prevent complications such as kidney infections and preterm labor.
1. Early Symptoms of UTI During Pregnancy:
Early urinary tract infection symptoms will typically be bladder irritation signs that start mild but will get gradually worse if these infections are left untreated.
When people think of bladder irritations, they think of the need to urinate often, but other early urinary tract infection signs are:
- Burning sensations when urinating
- Strong urgency to urinate frequently
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Discomfort below the lower part of your abdomen
- Pressure and mild discomfort in your pelvis area
- Foul-smelling urine.
Often, early signs will gradually get worse and will not be noticed at first.
Additional Subtle Symptoms:
In some cases, women may only notice general symptoms that feel different from their regular symptoms such as:
- Feelings of "not being right"
- Slightly tired
- Mild discomfort at urination
- Increased urge to urinate at nighttime
1. Early Signs of UTI in Pregnancy Should Not Be Ignored:
Most women should not ignore slight burning sensations while urinating during their pregnancy.
This will usually indicate a bacterial urinary tract infection instead of normal pregnancy changes.
If a woman has an untreated urinary tract infection, she may start to develop additional symptoms or her symptoms may worsen.
2. Advanced or Worsening Symptoms:
Over time, an infection becomes increasingly noticeable and uncomfortable as its symptoms develop into advanced or worsening.
- An increased burning sensation when urinating,
- The urge to urinate after emptying your bladder,
- Pain in your lower abdomen (include cloudy Urine and/or blood in urine - hematuria), and
- Discomfort in your pelvic area are all symptoms that will appear as the infection develops into an advanced or worsening stage.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must seek immediate medical attention.
3. Severe Symptoms (Possible Kidney Infection).
If an infection progresses to the point at which it has infected your kidneys, this is known as pyelonephritis, which is a serious and systemic in nature.
If you have any of the following warning signs of pyelonephritis, you need to seek immediate medical attention:
- Fever above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit),
- Chills,
- Severe flank/back pain,
- Nausea/vomiting,
- Weakness/fatigue,
- Rapid heart rate, and
- Feeling poorly overall.
Both conditions require immediate medical attention, and pyelonephritis usually requires hospitalization.
4. UTI vs Normal Pregnancy Symptoms:
The differences between the signs of pregnancy and infection (UTI) can be complicated for many women. Urinary frequency is a common change that occurs during pregnancy but can sometimes lead to confusion.
The normal physiological changes of pregnancy due to hormones and the growing uterus usually lead to more frequent urination in most pregnant women. However, the presence of pain or burning is usually indicative of a urinary tract infection and is NOT considered a normal change.
The practical interpretation of this is that if a woman has urinary frequency without any pain, that is usually considered to be a normal sign of pregnancy. On the other hand, if she has frequent urination along with burning, this is an indication that she may have a urinary tract infection.
Clinical Tip:
Women frequently wait until they have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (burning) before seeking medical attention for what they believe to be
"just a normal part of pregnancy".
In fact, burning associated with a urinary tract infection is NEVER normal, and any woman with these symptoms should seek evaluation.
5. UTI vs Preterm Labor:
Differentiating either preterm labour or urinary infection poses to be one of the most difficult clinical challenges a practitioner can face.
Both conditions can create abdominal/back discomfort and cause some confusion between the two.
However a sufficient
difference exists in identifying the two.
How Does Preterm Labour Present Itself?
Preterm labour usually presents itself with:
- Regular tightening of abdomen
- Cramps (similar to menstrual)
- Lower back pain (with wave like experience)
- Increasing pelvic pressure over time.
As opposed to urinary tract infection, the symptoms of preterm labour can occur in regular patterns.
How Does UTI Present Itself?
The symptoms of urinary tract infection are as follows:
- Constant burning sensation
- Painful urination
- Frequent feeling of urge; forced to use bathroom without fully emptying bladder (can occur several times in short period of time)
Symptoms occur non-rhythmically/no contractions.
Clinical Warning:
If a woman is pregnant and she has both urinary symptoms and she also has uterine tightening prior to 37 weeks, both conditions require urgent evaluation.
When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately:
Seek medical help if you have any of these symptoms during your pregnancy:
Burning and fever with urinating; Back pain and chills; Constant tightening of the abdomen; Blood in your vaginal passage; A decrease in baby's movements; Vomiting or burning during urination.
Clinical Pearls:
When your health problems overlap, it is critical to obtain urine testing and monitor the fetus because the presence of symptoms may not be the sole determinant of the diagnosis.
Key Points:
UTI indicators during pregnancy can range between mild discomfort and significantly disruptive systemic illness.
Regular urination is common during pregnancy, but pain, or burning during urination, serves as the primary indicator to notify the physician.
Therefore, accurately distinguishing the difference between UTI, or what is considered normal during a pregnancy and preterm labor is extremely important for setting the stage for timely treatment and/or limiting complications from symptomatic UTIs.
6. Causes and Risk Factors:
1. Recurrent UTI History:
Women who have had UTIs in the past are at a greater risk of developing them again during pregnancy than women who have never had a UTI.
Certain bacteria may stay in the urinary tract and/or frequently reappear once they are in the bladder.
Any woman who has had recurrent UTIs should inform her doctor prior to becoming pregnant.
2. Consequences of Past UTIs:
- Recurrent UTIs
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria
- Kidney infection
- Possible increase in the frequency of urine checks.
3. Diabetes and Pregnancy:
Diabetes increases glucose levels in the urine and can lead to the growth of bacteria.
Women with pre-existing or gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Controlling blood sugar levels will help decrease the chance of these infections.
4.Increased Risk Factors:
- Glucose in the urine
- Compromised immune system
- Bacteria growth
- Increased risk of recurrence.
5. Kidney Stones:
- Kidney stones may prevent urine from flowing normally.
- When the flow of urine decreases, bacteria can more easily grow.
- Women with kidney stones may require more careful monitoring during the pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
- Severe pain on side
- Blood in your urine
- Recurrent UTIs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
Water removes bacteria from the urinary tract.
When you do not drink enough, your urine is concentrated and bacteria may remain in your bladder.
6. Sexual activity:
Sexual activity may introduce bacteria through sexual intercourse into the urethra, but sexual activity will not cause infection, although it increases exposure to bacteria, and there are simple ways to decrease risk.
- Helpful habits you should practice include Urinating after sex,
- Drinking plenty of liquids,
- Washing your genitals carefully, using non-Irritating products, and
- Practicing good hygiene.
7. Urinary Tract Abnormalities:
- Women who have anatomical differences that affect urine flow may be born with abnormalities in their urinary tract predispose them to having more frequent urinary tract infections and examples of urinary tract anomalies include Vesicoureteral reflux,
- Structural urinary tract abnormalities, and
- Chronic urinary retention.
8. Catheter Use:
Urinary catheters are sometimes necessary during procedures such as hospitalization, labor, and cesarean delivery. While helpful, urinary catheters can sometimes introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Increased risk of urinary tract infections occurs following:
- Cesarean section,
- Prolonged labor,
- Surgical procedures, and
- Extended hospitalization.
7. How UTIs Are Diagnosed:
Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy:
Symptoms alone are not sufficient to make a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI).
Many other conditions,
- Including vaginal infections,
- Kidney stones, and
- Physiological changes during pregnancy, may have symptoms similar to a UTI.
Therefore, laboratory testing is still very important. Medical history and symptom assessment.
The first step in diagnosing the UTI is to review your medical history.
Your healthcare provider may ask the following questions:
- When did you first notice your symptoms?
- Do you have a fever?
- Have you had a UTI before?
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you had any complications during this pregnancy?
These questions will help to determine how severe the infection may be.
Physical examination
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and will check for the following:
- Temperature
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Tenderness in the kidney area (flank) - this may provide some indication that the kidneys are involved.
- Signs and symptoms of dehydration
Urinalysis:
The most common and quickest laboratory test that providers will perform is a urinalysis test.
This test can show rapid results of a possible UTI.
Signs that can indicate a UTI in urinalysis include:
- Presence of white blood cells (pyuria).
- Presence of nitrites in urine.
- Presence of bacteria in your urine.
- Blood present in your urine.
- Presence of leukocyte esterase in your urine.
- While urinalysis can be helpful, urinalysis alone does not provide definitive evidence of a UTI.
Culture Of Urine:
The gold standard
The urine culture is considered to be the most accurate test to diagnose a UTI in pregnancy.
Q
The urine culture will indicate:
- What bacteria are in the urine
- How much bacteria is growing
- Which antibiotics are likely to be effective
- As resistance to antibiotics increases worldwide, culture results are still very important and are an excellent source of information.
The importance of urine culture.
The urine culture will give you and your provider information you need to appropriately treat the UTI.
8. Safe Treatment Options:
When pregnant women have UTIs, they must be treated because untreated UTIs may progress quickly and can cause harm to the mother and/or the unborn child.
There are a number of antibiotics that have a long history of safety for use in pregnant women when prescribed appropriately.
When determining what type of antibiotic to give, a doctor considers:
- Gestational age
- Symptom presentation
- Urinary tract cultures
- Patient's allergy history
- Local antibiotic resistance patterns Goals of Treatment
Treat to:
- Cure the infection
- Reduce the risk of complications from severe infections
- Relieve the patient of symptoms
- Prevent kidney infections
- Reduce the likelihood of a repeat infection
- The earliest treatment is the best method of treating urinary tract infections.
Reasons Why Culture-Guided (or Culture-Directed) Treatment is Important:
There are many types of bacteria, and not all respond to the same antibiotics.
- By using the culture results to guide antibiotic therapy, the healthcare provider can choose the best antibiotic for the individual while minimizing unnecessary exposure.
- Culture-directed therapy also improves success rates of curing urinary tract infections and reduces the risk of developing bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Important Reminders About Taking Antibiotics:
If an antibiotic is prescribed:
- Take the drug exactly as prescribed.
- Finish all the pills in the bottle.
- Do not stop taking the drug early.
- Go to all follow-up visits.
- If the patient experiences worsening symptoms, they need to call their doctor immediately.
- It is common for patients to feel much better in a few days after starting the antibiotic, however, they may still have bacteria remaining in the urinary tract until they finish the prescription.
Summary of Key Points:
There are multiple risk factors for developing urinary tract infections during pregnancy. For women who have had a urinary tract infection before, there are several things that they can do to help reduce their chances of developing a urinary tract infection during their current pregnancy.
9. Frequent UTIs During Pregnancy and Preventative Treatment:
A woman could have several UTIs during the course of her pregnancy, with "frequent UTIs" (also known as "recurring UTIs") defined as two or more cases of UTIs that recur in the course of the same pregnancy and/or two or more separate UTIs with laboratory confirmation.
Multiple laboratory-confirmed cases of UTIs that occur after adequate treatment of a UTI as described by the physician may also be considered "frequent."
Patients with frequent UTIs should expect to be monitored more closely through the course of their pregnancy.
Factors that can increase a woman's risk for developing multiple UTIs are as follows:
A.Medical History of Frequent UTIs
B.Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
C.Kidney Stones
D.Inability to Fully Empty the Bladder
E.Anatomical Issues with the Urinary Tract
F.Bacterial Colonization
G.Sexual Activity
H.Lack of Adequate Fluid Intake
Pregnancy-related urinary changes may also put a woman at a higher risk for developing multiple UTIs even when she has taken the appropriate precautions.
Additional Monitoring for Frequent UTIs
Patients with frequent UTIs may require additional testing in order to monitor the following:
• More Frequent Urine Culture Testing
• Follow up Testing after Treatment
• Monitoring for Kidney Infection
• More Intensive Prenatal Follow Up
The primary goal of the physician is to identify UTIs in their early stages, prior to the patient developing complications associated with UTIs.
Antibiotic Suppressive Therapy Defined:
In appropriate patients, the physician may try to use suppressive therapy with antibiotics.
10. GBS in Urine:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium normally inhabiting the intestines and genital area of healthy adults.
When a pregnant woman grows GBS in her urine, it indicates that there has been a bacteria colonization that may have implications for both the health of the mother and her newborn child.
What does GBS in urine indicate?
In a pregnant woman, GBS in urine usually reflects a substantial bacteriuria population, thus, healthcare providers take this finding seriously whether there are any associated symptoms.
Important Facts:
- GBS bacteriuria requires an assessment by a healthcare professional.
- GBS bacteriuria may occur with or without symptoms.
- GBS bacteriuria increases the risk of a newborn developing an infection.
- GBS bacteriuria affects healthcare decisions regarding the management of labor.
What is the management of GBS in urine?
The management of GBS in urine depends on the bacterial count, the presence of symptoms, the gestational age of the fetus, and the overall clinical picture of the mother.
When indicated, treatment is generally with an antibiotic that is safe in pregnancy.
What are the effects of GBS on labor?
Most women whose urines grow GBS at any time during their pregnancy receive intravenous antibiotics during labor even if their GBS cultures are negative when repeated later in the pregnancy.
The rationale is that GBS bacteriuria creates an indication of a higher colony count of bacteria.
Intravenous antibiotics mitigate the risk of severe infections in newborns associated with GBS bacteriuria.
Complications of Newborns Born to Mothers with GBS
Due to the rarity of transmission, only sporadic cases of GBS exist in newborns; however, GBS is responsible for greater than 2,000 cases of severe GBS disease in infants in the United States each year.
11. Risks of Untreated UTIs:
Many women dismiss mild urinary tract symptoms, thinking they can be addressed at their next prenatal visit.
However, left untreated, UTIs can worsen quickly when a woman is pregnant.
What could start as a basic bladder infection could become a serious kidney infection that may affect both the woman and baby. Potential Maternal Health Effects
Women who have untreated UTIs may have other health complications.
Possible Maternal Health Effects:
- Acute cystitis (bladder infection)
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Dehydration
- Hospitalization
- Respiratory problems
- Anemia
If a UTI is treated early, most of these complications are less likely to occur.
The Most Serious Maternal Health Effect is Pyelonephritis:
Pyelonephritis is one of the most common reasons for hospital admission for pregnant women due to an infection.
A UTI can cause the bacteria to move up from the bladder, to the kidney.
Symptoms of Pyelonephritis may include
- Fever
- Chills
- Back pain
- Flank pain (pain in lower back on either side)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you suspect you may have pyelonephritis, seek medical attention immediately.
Sepsis can occur after bacteria have spread into the bloodstream from an infection; it is a rare, life-threatening condition and is treated as an emergency by healthcare providers.
Signs of sepsis can include:
- High Fever
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Confusion
- Difficulty Breathing
- Extreme Fatigue
Complications from Untreated UTIs during Pregnancy
Research has shown that not receiving treatment for UTIs during pregnancy may lead to complications with the pregnancy. Possible risks include:
- Preterm Labor
- Premature Birth
- Low Birth Weights
- Mother may be Hospitalized
- Higher Possibility of the Use of More Medical Intervention
12. Prevention Strategies:
While not every urinary tract infection can be avoided, there are some simple daily practices that can greatly decrease your chances of getting one.
The majority of preventive measures are reasonably priced, safe and easy to do on a daily basis.
Simple changes to your routine can lead to big benefits throughout your pregnancy.
Prevention is especially vital for women who have had UTIs in the past, had recurring infections, have diabetes, or have suffered from kidney stones.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Water can help to flush out bacteria from your bladder before it has a chance to multiply into an infection.
Many pregnant women don’t drink enough fluids because they go to the bathroom so often, causing them to be more susceptible to UTIs.
Here are Some Benefits to Staying Hydrated:
- Flushes bacteria from your urinary tract
- Dilutes urine
- Encourages bladder emptying
- Reduces urinary tract irritation
- Can improve overall health during your pregnancy
Helpful Ways to Stay Hydrated:
- Keep a water bottle close by at all times
- Take little sips of fluid throughout the day
- Drink extra fluid when it’s warm outside
- Drink extra fluid after exercise
- Look at the color of your urine.
13. Uti Myths And Fact During Pregnancy;
A UTI is very common during pregnancy however there are still many myths surrounding UTIs, pregnant women share their UTI symptoms on social sites and/or with family and friends, that we know not to be true.
Believing those false statements, may cause a delayed diagnosis and treatment and increase the potential for complications for both the mother and the baby.
To clear any confusion, we have provided evidence based information regarding UTIs.
Myth One: Frequent urination always means a UTI.
Fact:
Frequent urination (the number of times you need to urinate) is a common occurrence during pregnancy due to an increase in hormones and pressure on your bladder from the growing uterus. Although you may urinate more frequently, having frequent urination does not always mean you have a UTI. When you have a UTI, you will usually have other signs/symptoms besides frequent urination, such as:
- Burning sensation when you urinate
- Painful urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Your urine may appear cloudy
- Your urine may have a strong odor
Clinical Tip:
Frequent urination without pain is generally normal. Frequent urination with burning will need further evaluation.
Myth Two: If I don’t have any signs/symptoms, then I do not have a UTI
Fact:
There is a condition that some pregnant women have called asymptomatic bacteriuria, which means that the urine will test positive for bacteria without any signs/symptoms of a UTI; therefore, it is extremely important to screen for this condition during pregnancy since it can progress to pyelonephritis (kidney infection) if left untreated.
Reasons to Screen:
Even when an individual does not have any signs/symptoms of a UTI, the presence of bacteria in the urine can increase the risk of:
- Acute cystitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Preterm delivery
- Low birth weight
Why Are Postpartum UTIs So Common?
There are a number of reasons why women experience urinary infections postpartum, including:
Temporary swelling, stretching or reduced sensation to the urinary tract during labor, delivery and after childbirth, which can interfere with normal bladder emptying and provide the opportunity for bacteria to grow, such as:
- Catheter associated
- C-section
- Prolonged labor
- Epidural anesthetic
- Over distended bladder
- Prior postpartum UTI
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Most women will resolve their UTIs without further complications, but it is important to be aware of your potential risks of contracting a UTI.
Urinary Catheters and Infection Risk:
Urinary catheters can be found during:
- C-section
- Epidural anesthesia
- Complications during labor and delivery
While often times catheters are needed; using a catheter increases the risk of bacteria entering into the urinary tract via the catheter. Removing a catheter generally decreases the risk of infection.
Bladder Changes After Childbirth:
After delivery most women will lose the normal sensation of bladder fullness temporarily (the brain is not aware), therefore they may not urinate often enough, which leads to the development of urinary retention (the inability to urinate) and increases the risk of developing an infection.
What Are the Warning Signs of Urinary Retention?
- Difficulty urinating
- Unable to empty the bladder completely
- Fullness in the lower part of the abdomen
- Weak urine stream
Clinical Pearls:
Women should try to urinate regularly Q3H < 24H Postpartum, regardless of whether or not they feel the urge, during the first 3-6 hours after delivery.
14. Postpartum UTIs:
Many new moms think they can no longer get a urinary tract infection (UTI) after having their baby. Unfortunately, many women experience UTIs within days (or even weeks) after giving birth.
Because there is so much physical recuperation after pregnancy and delivery, there are large changes to the bladder, urinary tract, and pelvic floor, which may temporarily make the pelvic floor more susceptible to getting an infection until it has completely healed.
Asking a new mom to be aware of the symptoms of postpartum infection can help her catch the infection early and help to be more comfortable while recovering from her post-pregnancy experience.
Why Are Postpartum UTIs So Common?
There are many different reasons that infections occur in the urinary tract after delivery.
Here are some of the most common reasons:
1.Temporary swelling, stretching, and/or decreased feeling of the urinary tract and/or bladder similar to what they have had during labor and delivery can create1 blockage and help bacteria to grow.
2.'Various complications during labor and delivery may also create conditions that enable bacteria to grow.
Common reasons that women are at a greater risk of having a UTI after delivery are:
- Catheterization during labor
- Cesarean section delivery
- Prolonged labor
- Epidural anesthesia
- Over distended bladder
- Previous pregnancy with UTI
- Bladder not emptied patient
Most women recover from their pregnancy without any complications but being aware of UTI symptoms is helpful.
Risk of Infection Due To Catheter Use
Catheters are used for some mothers during:
- Cesarean section delivery
- Epidural anesthesia
- Certain complications during labor/delivery.
While catheters may needed, they also put the bladder at a higher risk for infection as the catheter allows for easier passage of bacteria into the urinary tract.
How Can Post‐Partum UTIs Be Diagnosed?
A combination of Medical history,
Physical examination,
Urinalysis, and
Urine culture (most reliable way to confirm infection and select treatment).
How are Post‐Partum UTIs Treated?
An antibiotic will typically cure most Post‐Partum UTIs.
The type of antibiotic given will depend on your:
Symptoms,
Breastfeeding status,
Culture results, and
Allergies
When possible Health Care Providers will prescribe medicines that are compatible with breastfeeding.
Additional Recovery Steps
Drink adequate amounts of water
Empty your bladder often
Rest as needed
Follow up if your symptoms don't go away.
Breastfeeding & Antibiotics
Most mothers worry that taking antibiotics while breastfeeding may hurt their baby.
Fortunately, many of the antibiotics used to treat UTIs are safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Always tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding so that an appropriate antibiotic can be chosen.
How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection After Delivery
Using some simple habits can help reduce your risk of infection.
Helpful Tips include:
✓ Drink plenty of fluids
✓ Empty your bladder frequently
✓ Keep your body clean
✓ Follow the instructions given to you after delivery
✓ Keep your postpartum appointments
✓ Get Medical Attention If You Have any urinary issue.
Key Take Away
Postpartum urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common complication after delivery, especially when a catheter is used, during cesarean delivery, or prolonged labor. Most UTIs can be treated effectively; however, identifying and treating them early is crucial to preventing complications and aiding in recovery.
15. When to Call Your Doctor:
Urgent Care Warning Signs in Pregnancy
A pregnant woman who has:
- Urinary Symptoms plus Fever
- Fever greater than 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit)
- Chills
- Sweating
- May have pyelonephritis.
- Back or Flank Pain That Is Severe
- Back pain under the ribs may indicate problems with the kidneys so do not ignore this symptom.
- Vomiting and/or Persistent Vomiting
- Vomiting can lead to dehydration, but it could also indicate a severe infection.
- Blood in Urine
Blood in urine (visibly) must be seen urgently for evaluation. Possible causes may include:
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Kidney Stone(s)
- Other urinary tract issues
- Signs of Preterm Labor
If urinary symptoms and
- Regular contractions,
- Pelvic pressure,
- Vaginal bleeding or
- Fluid leaking,
- Lumbar pain and
- Decreased fetal movements are present, you Need to call your provider and let them know.
Emergency Care Representation
In urgent circumstances, if you have any of the following:
- High Fever
- Severe Flank Pain
- Difficulty Breathing
- Confusion
- Severe Weakness
- Unable To Keep Fluids Down
- Evidence of Sepsis.
When should a pregnant woman go to the Emergency Room because of a UTI?
When a pregnant woman has a fever, chills, severe back pain, flank pain, vomiting, contractions ≥ 37 weeks gestation, vaginal bleeding and/or decreased fetal movement, she should obtain URGENT MEDICAL CARE. These are possible signs of a serious condition.
16. Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What makes a pregnant woman more prone to a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to the urinary tract being relaxed, impacting the blood flow from the kidney to the bladder and thus making it more susceptible to infection. The growing uterus places pressure on the bladder and ureters, resulting in urine being held in the urinary tract longer than normal. This gives bacteria a favorable environment for multiplying.
2. What are the first symptoms of a UTI in pregnancy?
You can expect to experience the following when you have a UTI during pregnancy:
- Pain or burning with urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Inability to empty your bladder completely
- Cloudiness and/or foul odour coming from your urine (if you have a UTI)
- Mild discomfort in the pelvic area
Some pregnant patients may not have any symptoms, however, have bacteria in their urine will still require routine urine culture and sensitivity during their pregnancy.
3. Can a UTI injure my unborn child?
A UTI does not harm a fetus when it is diagnosed and treated appropriately at an early stage; whereas, an untreated UTI may cause the infection to spread to the kidneys and yield the complication of:
- Preterm birth/labor
- Prematurity
- Low birth weight
- Hospitalization of the mother.
Prompt treatment will significantly reduce the risk of these 4 conditions and therefore promote successful pregnancies.
4. Which antibiotics are safe for UTI treatment during pregnancy?
There are four or five classes of antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy. Here are some examples of medications that would fall under each class.
Several antibiotics are safe to take while you are pregnant when prescribed by a qualified prescriber.
Common types of antibiotics may include :
- Cephalexin,
- Fosfomycin and
- Nitrofurantoin in certain types of clinical situations.
The safest choice of antibiotics will depend on:
- Trimester of the Pregnancy
- Results of urine culture
- Any drug allergies
- Antibiotic resistance patterns in the local area
Women should not start taking any antibiotics without first talking to a doctor.
5. Is it possible to have a UTI while pregnant and not have any symptoms?
Yes, the name for this condition is “asymptomatic bacteriuria,” which means that you have bacteria in your urine that cause no noticeable symptoms.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy should be treated because, unlike non-pregnant adults, asymptomatic bacteriuria can develop into a serious kidney infection if not treated.
6. What are the warning signs of a kidney infection when I am pregnant?
- A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) during pregnancy is considered a medical emergency.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- A temperature greater than 38°C (100.4°F)
- Chills
- Severe low back or flank pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe fatigue
- Prompt medical treatment can minimise the possibility of complications for mother and baby.
7. How do I prevent UTIs while I am pregnant?
You can decrease your risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) while pregnant by:
- Drinking large amounts of fluids
- Emptying your bladder frequently
- Urinating after sexual activity
- Wiping from front to back
- Wearing breathable cotton underwear
- Avoiding perfumed
17. Related Articles You May Find Helpful:
Continue learning about pregnancy health, maternal wellness, and pregnancy complications with these evidence-based guides from Experts Health Corner.
1. High-Risk Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors and Management
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Explore More Women's Health Resources:
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Regularly exploring related articles can help you make informed healthcare decisions throughout pregnancy and beyond.
18. References:
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Individuals (Clinical Consensus No. 4)
Published: August 2023
Organization: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Available at:
Key Topics:
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria
- Acute cystitis
- Pyelonephritis
- Antibiotic treatment in pregnancy
- Recurrent UTIs
- Maternal and fetal complications
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Preventing Group B Strep Disease in Newborns
Published: May 1, 2025
Organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Available at:
Key Topics:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
- Pregnancy screening
- Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis
- Newborn infection prevention
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection) in Adults
Organization: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Available at:
Key Topics:
- UTI symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention strategies
- Urinary tract anatomy
4. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Urinary Tract Infection Research and Clinical Evidence
Organization: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Available at:
Key Topics:
- Evidence-based UTI management
- Antibiotic resistance
- Maternal health research
- Pregnancy infection outcomes
5. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy
Organization: American Academy of Family Physicians
Available at:
Key Topics:
- Diagnosis of UTIs in pregnancy
- Risk factors
- Antibiotic therapy
- Prenatal screening
6. World Health Organization (WHO).
Recommendations on Maternal and Newborn Health Care
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Available at:
Key Topics:
- Maternal infection prevention
- Antenatal care
- Maternal health outcomes
- Pregnancy-related infections
Last Medical Review: June 2026:
Reviewed By: Dr. Humaira Latif, MBBS
Gynecologist & Obstetrician | Women's Health Educator | Ultrasound Specialist
Disclaimer:
All medical information presented in this article is intended for educational purposes and is based on guidance from recognized professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed clinical recommendations.
19. Free Pregnancy UTI Checklist:
Link:
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