A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of some part of your body’s urinary system, which includes your:
- Kidneys
- Ureters (tubes that carries urine from your kidneys to your bladder)
- Bladder
- Urethra (a short tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside your body)
Bacteria cause most UTIs. Anyone can get one, but they’re most common in women, and they can be extra concerning if you’re pregnant.
If you think you might have a UTI, tell your doctor. With proper care, you and your baby should be fine.
Usually, these infections in the bladder and urethra. But sometimes they can lead to kidney infections. If they do, UTIs may lead to preterm labor (giving birth too early) and low birth weight.
• UTI Treatment During Pregnancy
You’ll take antibiotics for 3 to 7 days or as your doctor recommends. If your infection makes you feel uncomfortable, your doctor will probably start your treatment before you get your urine test results.
Your symptoms should go away in 3 days. Take all of your medication on schedule anyway. Don’t stop it early, even if your symptoms fade.
Many common antibiotics — amoxicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin, for example — are considered safe for pregnant women. Your doctor wouldn’t prescribe others, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, or trimethoprim (Primsol, Proloprim, Trimpex), that can affect your baby’s development.