UTIs in pregnancy: Overview, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and when to seek care

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy

Infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy due to hormonal and anatomical changes. Prompt diagnosis and safe treatment are essential to protect both mother and baby.

Women’s health Pregnancy Infections

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🩺 What is a UTI in pregnancy?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection affecting any part of the urinary system—urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. During pregnancy, UTIs are more frequent, especially between weeks 6 and 24, due to:

• Hormonal shifts: Relax urinary tract muscles.
• Uterine pressure: On the bladder and ureters.
• Reduced bladder emptying: Allows bacterial growth.
• Immune suppression: Increases infection risk.

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🚨 Common symptoms

Pregnant women may experience:

• Burning sensation while urinating (dysuria)
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine
• Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal pain
• Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting (if infection reaches kidneys)

Some women may have asymptomatic bacteriuria, where bacteria are present without symptoms. This still requires treatment to prevent complications.

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🧪 Diagnosis

UTIs are diagnosed through:

• Urinalysis: Detects white blood cells, nitrites, and bacteria.

• Urine culture: Identifies the specific bacteria and guides antibiotic selection.
• Prenatal screening: Often done at the first visit to detect asymptomatic infections.

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💊 Safe treatment during pregnancy

UTIs are treated with pregnancy-safe antibiotics, typically for 3–7 days. Common options include:

• Amoxicillin
• Cephalexin
• Nitrofurantoin (avoided in the first trimester)
• Fosfomycin

Antibiotics like trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole are generally avoided in early pregnancy due to risk of birth defects.

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🛑 Risks of untreated UTIs

If left untreated, UTIs can lead to:

• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
• Sepsis
• Preterm labor
• Low birth weight
• Maternal anemia or kidney damage

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✅ Prevention tips

To reduce UTI risk during pregnancy:

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily.
• Urinate frequently and fully empty the bladder.
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet.
• Urinate before and after intercourse.
• Avoid sugary foods and caffeine.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear.
• Consider prenatal vitamins with Vitamin C and Zinc, if recommended.

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🧠 Quick facts

Feature	Details
Most common cause	E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract
Screening	Urine culture at first prenatal visit
Treatment duration	3–7 days
Risk if untreated	Kidney infection, preterm birth
Prevention	Hydration, hygiene, urination habits

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📌 When to call your doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Fever over 100°F (37.7°C)
• Persistent burning or urgency
• Blood in urine
• Flank pain or vomiting
• No improvement after 3 days of antibiotics

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🔗 Related topics

• Pregnancy complications
• Preventive care during pregnancy
• Kidney infections in pregnancy

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Sources

• Cleveland Clinic – UTI during pregnancy
• American Pregnancy Association – UTIs in pregnancy
• Medical News Today – UTI in pregnancy
• WebMD – UTIs during pregnancy
• Pregnancy Archive – UTIs in pregnancy

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