UTI in Pregnancy Symptoms and Treatment

Urinary tract infections are more common in pregnancy due to hormonal and physical changes that slow urine flow and alter the urinary tract. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important because untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections and pregnancy complications.

Why UTIs Are More Common in Pregnancy

Progesterone relaxes the muscles of the urinary tract, slowing the flow of urine and making it easier for bacteria to travel upward towards the bladder and kidneys. The growing uterus gradually presses on the bladder and ureters, adding further pressure to the system. Together, these changes create conditions where bacteria can multiply more quickly than usual.

There is also a small amount of glucose in the urine during pregnancy, which can encourage bacterial growth. Your immune system naturally shifts during pregnancy to protect the baby, which means infections that your body might normally fight off more quickly can take hold more easily.

Routine antenatal appointments include urine tests specifically because of how common UTIs are in pregnancy — and because many pregnant people have what is called asymptomatic bacteriuria, meaning bacteria in the urine without any noticeable symptoms. Even without symptoms, this needs treatment during pregnancy because of the risk of it progressing.

Symptoms to Look Out For

A straightforward UTI (cystitis) typically causes some or all of the following:

A burning or stinging sensation when you urinate
Needing to urinate more often than usual, or feeling an urgent need to go
Passing only small amounts of urine despite feeling the urge
Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
Discomfort or mild pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis

It is worth noting that some of these symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy changes — needing to urinate more frequently, for example, is common from early pregnancy. If you are unsure, it is always worth contacting your GP or midwife for a urine test rather than waiting to see if symptoms resolve.

Signs of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) are more serious and require prompt medical attention. These include:

A high temperature (fever over 38°C)
Shivering or chills
Pain in your back, side, or under your ribs
Nausea and vomiting alongside urinary symptoms

If you have these symptoms, contact your GP urgently or call 111. A kidney infection during pregnancy can be serious and usually requires treatment with intravenous antibiotics in hospital.

Treatment for UTIs in Pregnancy

UTIs in pregnancy are treated with antibiotics. Your GP will prescribe an antibiotic that is considered safe to use during pregnancy — the specific type will depend on which bacteria is causing the infection, which a urine culture can identify. It is important to complete the full course even if you feel better quickly, to make sure the infection is fully cleared.

Do not try to treat a UTI with home remedies alone during pregnancy. While drinking plenty of water and unsweetened cranberry juice may offer some comfort, they are not reliable enough to clear an established infection. An untreated or undertreated UTI in pregnancy carries real risks, so getting a GP prescription is important.

After treatment, your midwife or GP may ask for a follow-up urine test to confirm the infection has cleared.

How to Reduce the Risk of UTIs

No method eliminates the risk entirely during pregnancy, but several practical steps can help:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush bacteria from the urinary tract
Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet
Empty your bladder fully rather than rushing — leaning forward slightly can help
Urinate after sex
Wear breathable, cotton underwear
Avoid holding on for long periods when you need to go

Frequently Asked Questions

### Can a UTI harm my baby?

An untreated UTI can increase the risk of preterm labour and low birth weight. A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) carries additional risks and can make you seriously unwell. This is why your midwife tests your urine at every routine appointment — catching and treating infections early protects both you and your baby. Prompt treatment with pregnancy-safe antibiotics is effective and safe.

How is a UTI diagnosed in pregnancy?

A simple urine sample (midstream urine, or MSU) is tested. In the first instance your GP may use a dipstick test to check for signs of infection. A urine culture — where the sample is sent to a lab — identifies the specific bacteria and confirms which antibiotic will work best. Routine antenatal appointments include urine checks precisely to catch infections before they cause symptoms.

Can I prevent UTIs in pregnancy?

You can reduce your risk significantly by drinking plenty of water, wiping front to back, emptying the bladder fully and frequently, and urinating after sex. These steps help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before they can multiply. However, the physical changes of pregnancy mean some people develop UTIs despite doing everything right — so do not be hard on yourself if you get one.

Always speak to your midwife or GP for personal advice about infections and symptoms in pregnancy.

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