BOOK YOUR CLASS

UTI

Common in pregnancy and important to treat

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in pregnancy. Many are easily treated with a short course of antibiotics, but UTIs in pregnancy can sometimes lead to more serious problems if they’re not picked up. That’s why your urine is checked routinely throughout pregnancy and why it’s worth knowing the symptoms.

Types of urinary tract infection

There are three main types of UTI seen in pregnancy:

  • Asymptomatic bacteriuria — bacteria are found in your urine but are not causing any symptoms. It’s still treated in pregnancy, because untreated bacteriuria can progress to a kidney infection.
  • Bladder infection (cystitis) — common in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Typical symptoms are pain when passing urine, passing urine frequently, pain in your lower abdomen, blood in your urine on testing, and sometimes fever or feeling generally unwell.
  • Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — uncommon, but can occur as a complication of cystitis or untreated bacteriuria. Symptoms may include pain in a loin (side of the abdomen over your kidney), fever, feeling unwell with flu-type symptoms, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, and blood in your urine.

Not all symptoms develop in every infection — sometimes a kidney infection just causes a vague feeling of being unwell.

Urine checks in pregnancy

  • You should have routine urine testing as early as possible in pregnancy.
  • Treatment may be advised if any bacteria are found — even if you have no symptoms (asymptomatic bacteriuria).
  • If bacteria are found, you should have regular routine urine testing throughout the rest of your pregnancy.
  • You should also have a urine test if you develop symptoms of a bladder or kidney infection at any stage.
  • You will have your urine tested at each antenatal visit with your GP and at the hospital.
  • You may sometimes be asked to provide a second “clean catch” specimen for testing — this gives a more accurate result.

How is a UTI treated in pregnancy?

  • Most UTIs in pregnancy are treated with a short course of antibiotics that is safe for you and your baby. Symptoms usually improve within a few days, but it is very important to complete the full course of antibiotics.

    • If your symptoms have not gone by the time you finish the course, see a doctor or midwife.
    • If your symptoms worsen after a few days, return to your GP, midwife or the hospital.
    • A change of antibiotic may sometimes be necessary if the bacterium is resistant to the first one.
    • If your UTI is not improving, or if a kidney infection develops, admission to hospital may be needed for fluids and antibiotics into a vein.

    Antibiotics will also be recommended during labour if your urine sample at any time during pregnancy grew bacteria called Group B Streptococcus.

Self-care and prevention

  • Drink plenty of water Aim for 6–8 glasses of fluid a day — water helps flush bacteria through your urinary tract.
  • Empty your bladder fully and often Don’t hold on. Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need, and try to empty completely each time.
  • Wipe front to back This simple habit reduces the spread of bacteria from the bowel to the urethra.
  • Empty your bladder after sex Helps clear any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
  • Avoid strong soaps, douches, sprays and perfumed products These can irritate the urethra and disrupt the natural balance.
  • Wear cotton underwear And avoid very tight-fitting trousers, which can trap moisture.
  • Don’t ignore symptoms Burning, frequency, lower tummy pain or smelly cloudy urine — speak to your GP or midwife. UTIs treated early are quick and straightforward.