Urinary tract infections during pregnancy

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are quite common in pregnancy, as your growing uterus can prevent urine fully draining from your bladder.

Because the main symptom of a UTI (the need to pass water more frequently) is associated with the normal increase in need to urinate that pregnant women experience, the infection can be undiagnosed and left to grow worse.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

Symptoms normally include an increased urge to urinate, painful pressure in the bladder area, cramping before or after urination, and burning pain when urinating. In some cases, there may be blood present in your urine. You may also have a fever and feel otherwise unwell.

If you have a high temperature, chills, backache, and any symptoms of a UTI, contact your physician, OB-GYN or nurse-midwife straightaway – it’s possible you may have a kidney infection which could cause preterm labor.?? You may be prescribed antibiotics – finish the course of treatment to ensure the infection is completely blitzed, even if you feel better. Never use old medication, even if it was prescribed for the same type of infection, as you must check the safety of any medication you take in pregnancy and some antibiotics are unsuitable.

Preventing urinary tract infections?

As usual, prevention is better than cure. There are some rules you should follow as a matter of course during your pregnancy in order to avoid getting a UTI. Here are gurgle’s top tips:

- Wash your genital area with a mild, non-perfumed soap and warm water. Ensure you do the same immediately after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of infections.

- Don’t leave it too long before urinating if you get the urge – delaying it can make infections more likely. Be sure to empty your bladder fully.

- Wear stockings instead of hose, and wear breathable cotton underwear.

- Drink plenty of water to flush out your bladder. Cranberry juice contains a natural antibiotic that can combat the bacteria that cause UTIs, but don’t drink it if you actually have an infection as it could make urinating more painful. Drinking the (cooled) water that pearl barley has been boiled in may also be helpful.

- Avoid excess sugar intake, and maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet (see diet for a healthy pregnancy).

If you have any unanswered questions, use our answers page to gain wisdom from other moms or our resident experts on this or any other pregnancy issues you may have.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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