Guide | Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Safe Treatment
A urinary tract infection (UTI) affects part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. UTIs can affect anyone but are more common in women and are a particular concern during pregnancy. Hormonal and physical changes increase the risk.
UTI Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
Frequent urination or a sudden strong urge to urinate
Difficulty urinating
Burning or cramping in the lower abdomen or back
Burning during urination
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Blood in the urine, which may appear red, pink, or cola-colored
If infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms may include:
Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Upper back pain, usually on one side
Seek immediate care for these symptoms. Untreated infection may spread to the blood and cause serious illness.
Why Are UTIs More Common During Pregnancy?
Hormonal changes alter the urinary tract and may cause urine to flow backward from the bladder toward the kidneys. As the uterus grows, pressure on the bladder can prevent complete emptying, leaving urine in which bacteria can grow.
Other common causes include:
Bacteria such as E. coli entering the urethra from the anus.
Intercourse moving bacteria near the vagina into the urethra.
Group B Streptococcus, which may be present in the bowel and vagina.
Diagnosis
Doctors generally test urine for bacteria and red and white blood cells. A urine culture may identify the specific bacteria.
Treatment During Pregnancy
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for 3-7 days. Common options such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin are relatively safe during pregnancy. Drugs that may affect fetal development, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or sulfonamides, are avoided. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
Complications
A UTI that reaches the kidneys may cause preterm birth, severe infection, adult respiratory distress syndrome, or anemia.
Prevention
To reduce risk:
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
Wipe from front to back after urinating
Empty the bladder before and after intercourse
Use water-based lubricant
Avoid irritating feminine-hygiene products
Wear cotton underwear and keep the genital area clean
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, a UTI during pregnancy generally has no lasting effect on the mother or fetus.
Guide | Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Safe Treatment
Guide | Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Safe Treatment
A urinary tract infection (UTI) affects part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. UTIs can affect anyone but are more common in women and are a particular concern during pregnancy. Hormonal and physical changes increase the risk.
UTI Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
Frequent urination or a sudden strong urge to urinate
Difficulty urinating
Burning or cramping in the lower abdomen or back
Burning during urination
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Blood in the urine, which may appear red, pink, or cola-colored
If infection reaches the kidneys, symptoms may include:
Fever
Nausea or vomiting
Upper back pain, usually on one side
Seek immediate care for these symptoms. Untreated infection may spread to the blood and cause serious illness.
Why Are UTIs More Common During Pregnancy?
Hormonal changes alter the urinary tract and may cause urine to flow backward from the bladder toward the kidneys. As the uterus grows, pressure on the bladder can prevent complete emptying, leaving urine in which bacteria can grow.
Other common causes include:
Bacteria such as E. coli entering the urethra from the anus.
Intercourse moving bacteria near the vagina into the urethra.
Group B Streptococcus, which may be present in the bowel and vagina.
Diagnosis
Doctors generally test urine for bacteria and red and white blood cells. A urine culture may identify the specific bacteria.
Treatment During Pregnancy
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for 3-7 days. Common options such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin are relatively safe during pregnancy. Drugs that may affect fetal development, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or sulfonamides, are avoided. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
Complications
A UTI that reaches the kidneys may cause preterm birth, severe infection, adult respiratory distress syndrome, or anemia.
Prevention
To reduce risk:
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
Wipe from front to back after urinating
Empty the bladder before and after intercourse
Use water-based lubricant
Avoid irritating feminine-hygiene products
Wear cotton underwear and keep the genital area clean
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, a UTI during pregnancy generally has no lasting effect on the mother or fetus.
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