UTI During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks & Treatment

While getting a UTI when you’re pregnant isn’t ideal, it’s more common than many people realize.1 Thankfully, it can be treated safely and effectively.

As we know, pregnancy brings big changes to the body’s functioning. That’s why UTIs need to be handled a little differently too, to protect both you and your baby. Catching it early is important. In this article, we’ll break down the symptoms to watch out for and explore what treating a UTI may look like during pregnancy.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria sneak into your urinary system, usually starting in the urethra and sometimes making its way up to the bladder or kidneys.¹

During pregnancy, UTIs are more common because your body goes through a lot of changes.¹ Your growing uterus can put pressure on your bladder, making it harder to empty fully.¹

Want to learn more about how pregnancy can affect your bladder? Read: Managing Leaks During Pregnancy and After Childbirth

What are the Different Types of UTIs?

Not all UTIs are the same, and where the infection hits makes a big difference:

• Urethritis: This is when the infection is in the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body).¹ It’s usually not severe but still needs treatment to keep it from spreading.
• Cystitis: A bladder infection that can cause pain, frequent urination, and that “I-need-to-go-right-now” feeling.¹
• Pyelonephritis: A more serious infection that reaches the kidneys.¹ This one can be dangerous and might even land you in the hospital.

As the infection travels higher up the urinary tract, symptoms tend to get more intense and so do the risks.

Also read: Frequent Urination During Pregnancy

Ignoring a UTI during pregnancy isn’t a great idea. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious infections like pyelonephritis (kidney infection)¹ which may require hospitalization. Kidney infections also raise the risk of early labor and low birth weight.¹ The takeaway? Early treatment is key.

A mild UTI, when treated quickly, usually doesn’t cause harm. But if it’s left to fester, it can spread to your kidneys and may increase the risk of having your baby early and/or with low birth weight.¹ That’s why it’s so important to speak up if something feels off.

UTIs can definitely make pregnancy more uncomfortable. There’s the burning, the constant need to pee, and sometimes abdominal cramps. If the infection worsens, you might need closer monitoring, more checkups, or even a hospital stay.¹ But here’s the good news: when treated early, most UTIs clear up without causing any lasting problems for you or your pregnancy.

Listen to your body. Common signs of a UTI include:

• A burning sensation when you pee¹
• The urge to pee often, even if not much comes out¹
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine¹
• Pain or pressure in your lower belly¹

Symptoms can range from mild to more severe, and they’re not always obvious. So, if something doesn’t feel right, get yourself checked by a professional.

Not always! Some people have asymptomatic bacteriuria which means bacteria are present in the urine, but there are no noticeable symptoms.¹ This is pretty common in pregnancy, which is why your doctor will screen for it at the first prenatal appointment.¹ Catching it early can help prevent a full-blown infection and keep both you and baby safe.

Testing for a UTI is fairly straightforward. Usually, your doctor will start with a urine dipstick test where you provide a urine sample that’s quickly checked for signs of infection like white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.¹ If needed, they might send a urine sample to the lab for a culture test to see exactly which bacteria are causing trouble.¹ Screening often happens in the first trimester, and sometimes later on too, just to be safe.

Absolutely. Some UTI symptoms (like cramps in your abdomen or the urge to pee all the time) can show up with early labor, or even dehydration. If you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s always good to check with your healthcare provider.

Once you’re on antibiotics, symptoms should start to ease within a few days. But don’t stop your meds early, even if you’re feeling better. It’s important to finish the full course so the infection doesn’t come back stronger. Your doctor might also ask for a follow-up urine test to make sure the infection is totally cleared.

Technically, you can, but it might not be very comfortable. Sex can irritate your urinary tract even more and might make symptoms worse. It’s usually best to wait until the infection clears up, especially if you’re being treated for a UTI.² When you’re feeling better, make sure to practice good hygiene and pee after sex¹ to help keep bacteria away.

There are a few simple things you can do to help lower your risk:

• Drink lots of water¹
• Pee before and after sex¹
• Avoid scented or harsh soaps or washes¹
• Wipe front to back¹
• Choose breathable cotton underwear¹

That said, even with perfect habits, pregnancy hormones can still throw things off. So regular check-ups with your doctor are key.

Need some help managing light leaks? TENA has you covered.

Also read: Pelvic Floor Exercises for Incontinence During and After Pregnancy

Call your doctor as soon as you can.¹ UTIs are super common during pregnancy and usually easy to treat. It’s best to avoid trying home remedies unless your healthcare provider gives you the green light. Early treatment means fewer complications and less discomfort.

Yep, UTIs can pop up after childbirth, too. Be on the lookout for any burning, frequent urges to pee, or lower belly pain during recovery. They’re all classic symptoms of a UTI.² And make sure to keep up with your postpartum check-ups to catch anything early.

While getting a UTI during pregnancy isn’t ideal, it’s also not uncommon and thankfully, it’s treatable with antibiotics.¹ The key is paying attention to your body, speaking up if something feels off, and getting checked early.

With proper care and regular check-ups, most UTIs clear up quickly and don’t cause lasting issues for you or your baby. Stay hydrated, practice good hygiene, and don’t hesitate to lean on your healthcare team. They’re there to support you every step of the way.

Can a UTI be a sign of early pregnancy or be mistaken for one?

Not exactly. A UTI isn’t a sign of pregnancy, but early pregnancy and UTIs can have some similar symptoms. Think frequent trips to the bathroom and a bit of lower abdominal pressure. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to take a pregnancy test or check with your doctor.

What can I take for a UTI while pregnant?

Only take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.¹ It’s super important to avoid self-medicating. There are safe options that are tailored for pregnancy, and your provider will make sure you get the right one.

Is it common to get a UTI while pregnant?

Yes, it’s very common. Thanks to hormonal shifts and changes in your urinary tract, UTIs are more likely to show up, especially during the first and second trimesters because of changes to the urinary tract.² That’s why screening and staying hydrated are so important.