Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A urinary tract infection (UTI)
is caused by bacteria that get inside your urinary tract. The urinary tract includes your kidneys and bladder. UTIs are common during pregnancy. This is because of changes in your immune system, hormones, and uterus. As your uterus grows, your bladder may not completely empty. Bacteria can grow in the urine left in your bladder and cause a UTI. UTIs during pregnancy can increase your risk for a kidney infection and preterm labor.
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Commons signs and symptoms of a UTI:
- Urinating more often, leaking urine, or waking from sleep to urinate
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen
- Urine that smells bad
- Blood in your urine
Seek care immediately if:
- You are urinating very little or not at all.
- You have severe pain in your lower abdomen.
- You have a fever and chills.
Call your doctor or obstetrician if:
- You have pain in the sides of your back.
- You do not feel better after 2 days of treatment.
- You are vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics treat a bacterial infection.
- Medicines may be given to decrease pain and burning when you urinate or to decrease the urge to urinate often.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Prevent a UTI:
- Urinate when you feel the urge. Do not hold your urine. Urinate as soon as needed. Always urinate after you have sex. This helps flush out bacteria passed during sex.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. You may need to drink more fluids than usual to help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. Do not drink caffeine or carbonated liquids. These drinks can irritate your bladder. Your healthcare provider may recommend cranberry juice to help prevent a UTI.
- Wipe from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement. This will help prevent germs from getting into your urinary tract through your urethra.
- Do pelvic muscle exercises often. Pelvic muscle exercises may help you start and stop urinating. Strong pelvic muscles may help you empty your bladder easier. Squeeze these muscles tightly for 5 seconds like you are trying to hold back urine. Then relax for 5 seconds. Gradually work up to squeezing for 10 seconds. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions a day, or as directed.
Follow up with your doctor or obstetrician as directed:
You may need to return for more urine tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Urinary Tract Infection
- Antibiotic Resistance: The Top 10 List
- Antibiotics 101: Common Names, Types & Their Uses
- Antibiotics For UTI Treatment - What Are My Options?
- Antibiotics and Birth Control Pill Interactions
- Anticholinergic Drugs to Avoid in the Elderly
- Can You Drink Alcohol with Antibiotics?
- Common Side Effects from Antibiotics, and Allergies and Reactions
- Why Don’t Antibiotics Kill Viruses?
Treatment options
Care guides
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.