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How to Treat a UTI Safely During Pregnancy
If you have a UTI during pregnancy, it's crucial to talk to health professionals, such as your primary care physician or obstetrician. Medical professionals will know which UTI treatments are safe for you and your fetus during pregnancy. If you visit an urgent care clinic or a new doctor, be sure to tell staff you are pregnant. You can also double-check with the pharmacist when you pick up your prescription to be sure that it is safe during pregnancy.
Antibiotics are the best treatment for UTI during pregnancy. They quickly and safely treat the infection and prevent it from spreading to your kidneys, your bloodstream, or the amniotic fluid. Delaying or refusing antibiotics increases your risk of complications, including preterm labor.
Antibiotics that are considered safe for treating a UTI during pregnancy, include [3]:
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Amoxicillin
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) (only used before the 3rd trimester.)
Antibiotics that should be avoided due to pregnancy-related complications include [3]:
- Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin): Linked to fetal cartilage damage.
- Tetracyclines: Can cause tooth discoloration in babies.
How to Prevent UTIs in Pregnancy
You can take easy steps to lower the chances of contracting a UTI during pregnancy, including:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or non-caffeinated beverages. Cranberry juice may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the inside of your urinary tract.
- Hygiene: Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. This ensures that bacteria from feces don't reach the urinary opening.
- Empty your bladder: Try to empty your bladder completely every time you urinate. Gently arching your back or lifting your belly to take the weight off your bladder may help with this process.
- Urinate after intercourse: Emptying your bladder after sexual contact can help flush out any bacteria that entered the urinary tract during intercourse.
When to See a Doctor?
Talk to your doctor right away if you suspect you have a UTI during pregnancy. Prompt treatment helps prevent infection from spreading or getting worse. You should call your doctor right away if symptoms persist after beginning treatment, or if symptoms worsen. Fever, chills or severe pain can be a sign of a kidney infection and you should see a doctor immediately.
Key Takeaways
UTIs are common in pregnancy and are not typically a cause for concern. Most UTIs can be treated with pregnancy-safe antibiotics. Routine urine testing can identify asymptomatic UTIs so you can get treatment right away.
Diagnox UTI Test Strips are a safe, easy way to check for UTIs during pregnancy so you can get treatment as soon as you need it.
