Urinary Tract Infection during Pregnancy

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder (ureters), the bladder, and the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). These organs make, store, and get rid of urine in the body.

An upper UTI affects the ureters and kidneys (pyelonephritis), and a lower UTI affects the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis). Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria in your genital area, around the entrance to your urinary tract (urethra). These bacteria grow and cause irritation and inflammation of your urinary tract.

Why am I more likely to get a UTI during pregnancy?

You are more likely to develop a UTI during pregnancy because:

• The physical and hormonal changes your body goes through can make it easier for bacteria to get into your urinary tract.
• Your growing baby puts pressure on your uterus and can affect urine flow.

Does a UTI place my baby at risk?

An untreated UTI during pregnancy could lead to a kidney infection, which can cause health problems that could affect your baby. Possible complications of an untreated UTI include:

• Having your baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy (premature).
• Having a baby with a low birth weight.
• Developing high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia).
• Having a low hemoglobin level (anemia).

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI include:

• Needing to urinate right away (urgently).
• Frequent urination or passing small amounts of urine frequently.
• Pain or burning with urination.
• Blood in the urine.
• Urine that smells bad or unusual.
• Trouble urinating.
• Cloudy urine.
• Pain in the abdomen or lower back.
• Vaginal discharge.

You may also have:

• Vomiting or a decreased appetite.
• Confusion.
• Irritability or tiredness.
• A fever.
• Diarrhea.

What are the treatment options for a UTI during pregnancy?

Treatment for this condition may include:

• Antibiotic medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy.
• Other medicines to treat less common causes of UTI.

How can I prevent a UTI?

To prevent a UTI:

• Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need. Do not hold urine for long periods of time.
• Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Use each tissue one time when you wipe.
• Empty your bladder after sex.
• Keep your genital area dry.
• Drink 6–10 glasses of water each day.
• Do not douche or use deodorant sprays.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not improve or they get worse.
• You have abnormal vaginal discharge.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever.
• You have nausea and vomiting.
• You have back or side pain.
• You feel contractions in your uterus.
• You have lower belly pain.
• You have a gush of fluid from your vagina.
• You have blood in your urine.

Summary

• A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
• Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria in your genital area, around the entrance to your urinary tract (urethra).
• You are more likely to develop a UTI during pregnancy.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.