Getting a UTI while pregnant is very common, and can be identified based on symptoms like pain or burning with urination, lower abdominal pain, increased frequency of urination, and urinating in small amounts.
A UTI (urinary tract infection) during pregnancy does not usually cause problems for the fetus and is easily treated with the use of antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy. A UTI that is not properly treated, however, can increase the risk for complications like miscarriage or premature birth.
It is important to talk to your OBGYN or midwife if you are experiencing any symptoms of a UTI so that a urine test can be done to confirm the infection and treatment started if necessary.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of a UTI while pregnant include:
- Pain or burning with urination;
- Increased urgency;
- Increased frequency of urination and voiding in small amounts;
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort;
- Cloudy and foul-smelling urine;
- Fever.
Other symptoms may include blood in the urine, chills, nausea, vomiting, back pain, flank (side) pain, and general malaise.
It is important to talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any symptoms of a UTI while pregnant. Starting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent complications for both the pregnant person and the fetus.
Symptoms quiz
UTIs can be harder to identify during pregnancy. Enter your symptoms below to see if there is a chance you could have a UTI:
This test is only a tool and should not be used to diagnose any condition and does not take the place of a consultation with a doctor.
Confirming a diagnosis
Your doctor or midwife can diagnosis a UTI during pregnancy based on symptoms and a urine test.
Your provider will typically also order a urine test at least once a trimester in order to identify and treat a UTI that is not causing any symptoms.
Also recommended: Urine Culture: What It Tests, How to Do, & Results tuasaude.com/en/urine-culturePossible causes
UTIs in pregnancy are typically caused by:
- Hormone changes, mainly an increase in progesterone;
- Relaxation of the urinary tract muscles, including the ureters and the bladder;
- Obstruction of the ureters or the flow of urine, due to the growing uterus;
- Changes in the vaginal flora, due to hormone changes;
- Lowered immunity, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections.
These changes occur normally in a person's body during pregnancy and can make it easier for bacteria in the urethra to move up to the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Treatment options
Treatment of a UTI while pregnant is usually done by your OBGYN or midwife and involves the use of antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy.
Depending on the trimester of pregnancy, antibiotics that may be used to treat a UTI include cephalexin (Keflex), nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (Bactrim).
A UTI that ascends into the kidneys (also called pyelonephritis) needs to be treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics.
In addition to taking medication, it is important to drink lots of water, avoid holding your bladder, and make sure to empty your bladder each time you urinate.
Risks and complications
A UTI that is not properly treated can cause complications for both the pregnant person and the fetus.
1. Fetal risks
The main risks to the fetus from an untreated UTI include:
- Premature birth;
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR);
- Low birthweight;
- Pneumonia;
- Childhood asthma;
- Miscarriage.
A UTI during pregnancy may also increase the risk of neonatal mortality (death of the baby after birth).
2. Maternal risks
Complications for the pregnant person from an untreated UTI include:
- Premature rupture of membranes (breaking your water early);
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS);
- Anemia;
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC);
- Preterm contractions;
- Renal (kidney) abscess;
- Sepsis.
The best way to prevent these complications is to pay close attention to any UTI symptoms and let your doctor or midwife know right away. If a UTI is diagnosed, it is important to take all medications exactly as prescribed by your provider to avoid complications.