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A urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy is common and usually easy to treat once it is found. It needs a doctor's prescription, because an untreated infection can climb to the kidneys and cause problems for you and your baby.
This guide explains the signs to watch for, how doctors test for a UTI, what treatment looks like, and simple habits that lower your chance of getting one.
Why UTIs are more common in pregnancy
Cleveland Clinic says as many as 8 in 100 pregnant people may get a UTI. Pregnancy changes the urinary tract in several ways. The growing womb can press on the bladder and the tubes that carry urine, so urine moves more slowly and the bladder may not empty fully. Your immune system also works a little differently, and your urine contains more sugar, protein and hormones than usual. All of this makes it easier for bacteria to settle.
The most common cause is a bacterium called E. coli, which lives naturally in the gut. It can travel to the urethra, the short tube that carries urine out of the body. Women have a shorter urethra than men, which is one reason UTIs are more common in women.
Types of urinary infection in pregnancy
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria: bacteria in the urine with no symptoms at all. It is usually found on a urine test at an early antenatal visit.
- Cystitis: infection of the bladder. This is the one most people think of as a UTI.
- Pyelonephritis: infection of the kidney. This is more serious and needs prompt care.
Because the first type causes no symptoms, a routine urine test is one of the most useful parts of antenatal care. Do not skip it, even when you feel well.
Symptoms to watch for
Common signs of a bladder infection include:
- Pain or burning when you pass urine
- Needing to pass urine often or very suddenly
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lower tummy discomfort
Signs that the infection may have reached the kidneys include fever, chills, pain in the back or side, nausea or vomiting, and feeling very unwell. Cleveland Clinic also lists confusion as a less common sign. Note that needing to pass urine more often is also a normal part of pregnancy, so pain, burning or fever is what separates an infection from usual pregnancy changes.
When to be cautious: fever, chills, back or side pain, or vomiting together with urinary symptoms can mean a kidney infection. Do not wait or try home remedies. Contact a doctor the same day.
How a UTI can affect you and your baby
A simple bladder infection that is treated promptly usually does not harm the baby. Problems arise when an infection is missed or left untreated. Cleveland Clinic and Nationwide Children's Hospital both note that a kidney infection can lead to early labour and a low birth weight baby, and can become a severe infection in the mother.
This is why doctors take urinary symptoms seriously in pregnancy. With early testing and the right treatment, the outlook is very good.
How doctors diagnose a UTI
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Then you will usually be asked for a urine sample. Two tests are common:
- Urine routine test: checks for white blood cells, red blood cells and bacteria.
- Urine culture: grows the bacteria in a laboratory so the doctor can pick an antibiotic that works against them and is safe in pregnancy.
Tip: collect a midstream sample. Wash your hands, clean the genital area with water, pass a little urine into the toilet, then collect the middle part in the clean container you are given. This gives a more accurate result.
Treatment: what to expect
Antibiotics are the main treatment, and only a doctor can prescribe them. Your doctor will choose one that is safe for you and the baby. Cleveland Clinic says a course usually lasts at least 3 to 7 days, and symptoms often start to improve within about 3 days. Even so, finish the whole course. Stopping early can let the infection return.
The NHS advises that pregnant women with suspected UTI symptoms should get an urgent medical review rather than treat it themselves. Drinking plenty of water and passing urine often helps you feel better, but home remedies do not replace antibiotics. Check with your doctor before using any pain relief, cranberry or herbal product.
A kidney infection often needs admission to hospital for antibiotics through a drip, as well as monitoring of you and your baby. After treatment, your doctor may repeat the urine test to confirm that the infection has cleared.
Myths and facts
- Myth: no burning means no infection. Fact: asymptomatic bacteriuria has no symptoms, which is why urine tests are done.
- Myth: a UTI always harms the baby. Fact: prompt treatment usually leads to a good outcome.
- Myth: drinking water or coconut water alone will cure it. Fact: fluids help, but a proven infection needs antibiotics.
- Myth: UTIs are caused by poor hygiene. Fact: pregnancy changes make infection likely even with good hygiene.
Prevention tips
You cannot prevent every UTI, but these habits from the NHS and Cleveland Clinic can help:
- Drink enough water through the day. Cleveland Clinic suggests about 6 to 8 glasses of fluid daily; in hot weather you may need more, so ask your doctor what suits you.
- Pass urine when you feel the urge instead of holding it, and try to empty the bladder fully.
- Pass urine soon after sex.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Keep the genital area clean and dry using plain water or a mild wash. Avoid scented soaps, douches and sprays.
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothes.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any urinary symptoms in pregnancy. Seek care urgently, including at an emergency department, if you have:
- Fever or shivering
- Pain in the back or side below the ribs
- Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down
- Blood in the urine
- Contractions, leaking fluid or reduced baby movements together with urinary symptoms
- Symptoms that get worse or do not improve after starting antibiotics
You can read more about routine tests in our guide to antenatal care, learn about UTIs outside pregnancy, or see our antenatal checkups service. If symptoms feel severe, use our emergency page.
Talk to a doctor
If you have questions about your own situation, you are welcome to book an appointment or call us on +91 944 103 0587. Chaitanya Hospital in Kadapa offers 24/7 delivery and emergency care, and teleconsultation is available. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor's advice.
References
This article was written in our own words from the following public health sources.
Educational content
Please note. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are worried about your health, or in an emergency, call +91 944 103 0587 or visit the hospital.
