It's important to have a UTI diagnosed and treated promptly, since it can lead to pregnancy complications if left untreated. Fortunately, UTIs are usually easy to manage. If you have a UTI, your provider can prescribe a pregnancy-safe antibiotic, which you'll take for a week or two. If the infection has progressed, you may need treatment in the hospital.

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Key Takeaways
  • Prompt treatment of a UTI in pregnancy is essential. UTIs are common during pregnancy and usually easy to treat with pregnancy-safe antibiotics, but delaying care can lead to serious complications like kidney infection, preterm birth, or preeclampsia.
  • Pregnancy increases UTI risk. Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus make it easier for bacteria (most often E. coli) to enter and multiply in the urinary tract, sometimes without causing noticeable symptoms.
  • Prevention and early detection matter. Routine urine tests, recognizing symptoms, staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and emptying your bladder promptly can help catch or reduce the risk of UTIs during pregnancy.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder (where it's called cystitis), the urethra (urethritis) or, in more serious cases, the kidneys (pyelonephritis).

The urinary tract removes waste and excess water from the body. It's made up of two kidneys (where urine is produced), two ureters (which carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder), the bladder itself (which stores urine), and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body).

Changes in both the structure and function of the urinary tract during pregnancy can increase the risk of UTIs and kidney infections. Bacteria from normal vaginal, perineal, and gut flora are the main culprits, with E. coli being the most common. Once these bacteria trespass into the urinary tract, they multiply quickly and cause infection.

How common are UTIs during pregnancy?

UTIs are the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy.[1]#1 Between 2% and 13% of women develop at least one UTI while pregnant.[2]#2 Because some women have no symptoms, your practitioner will likely have a clean-catch urine culture done at your first prenatal visit.

"I get them without symptoms," says What to Expect Community mom marissaf2019. "Last week I went to the hospital for sharp pains and ended up having a kidney infection."

Untreated UTIs can develop into kidney infections — and kidney infections are about twice as common in pregnant women as in those who aren't pregnant. That said, they're still relatively rare, occurring in about 2% of pregnancies.

What are UTI symptoms during pregnancy?

If you have a UTI, you may experience no symptoms at all, or you may notice the telltale burning sensation when you urinate. Here are some other common UTI symptoms:

  • Frequent urination (though this can also be a normal part of pregnancy)
  • A strong urge to urinate with little output
  • Cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
  • Low-grade fever
  • Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back, which may signal a kidney infection
  • Chills, nausea, vomiting, and/or high fever, which can be signs of a kidney infection

Be sure to talk with your health care practitioner right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

What causes a UTI during pregnancy?

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract. During pregnancy, this can happen more easily for several reasons:

  • Changes in your body. Women are already more prone to UTIs because the urethra is shorter, making it easier for unwanted bacteria to enter the bladder. During pregnancy, hormonal changes relax the urinary tract, making it easier for urine to flow backward. Your growing uterus also puts added pressure on your bladder, making it more difficult to completely empty it.
  • Bacteria from the bowel. The most common cause of UTIs, E. coli, comes from the bowel. Because the urethra is close to the rectum, bacteria can be transported up the urethra. Wiping from front to back helps reduce this risk.
  • Intercourse. Sex during pregnancy is perfectly healthy (unless your doctor tells you otherwise), but it can increase the risk of a UTI, because bacteria near the vagina may be pushed into the urethra during intercourse. It may not be romantic, but it's a good idea to wash the area and urinate before and after sex to move that bacteria along.

Are some women more prone to UTIs during pregnancy?

Yes, there are risk factors that may make some women more prone to UTIs during pregnancy. These include:

If any of these apply to you, be sure to discuss them with your practitioner so you can be closely monitored for signs of an infection.

"I'm prone to UTIs in pregnancy," says Community member ktank12. "Always needed the antibiotics, even for less severe ones. Better safe than sorry."

How is a UTI diagnosed and treated?

The standard way to diagnose a UTI (during pregnancy or otherwise) is a urine culture. Your doctor may ask for a "clean-catch" sample, where you urinate into a cup midstream after cleaning the area.

If you're diagnosed with a UTI, your practitioner will likely prescribe a pregnancy-safe antibiotic for seven to 14 days to get rid of all of the bacteria. Be sure to take the recommended full course, even if you start to feel better midway through treatment, and drink plenty of water.

If the infection has spread to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics.

"Continue to take the meds!" advises Community mom Syber. "I stopped taking mine and the UTI turned into a kidney infection. I was stuck in the hospital almost a week."

Keep in mind: Because an untreated infection can lead to serious complications in pregnancy — including kidney infection and, potentially, an increased risk of fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm birth — notify your provider immediately if you have any UTI-like symptoms.

Also remember, not all women have symptoms of a UTI. So the urine tests at your regular prenatal visits are really important.

"I'm on antibiotics now and I feel SO much better," says Community mom tremk3001. "This is my third baby and first UTI during pregnancy."

Get expert advice and connect with other moms-to-be in the What to Expect app, where you can also keep track of your pregnancy journey through every stage.

Can UTIs be prevented during pregnancy?

You may not be able to prevent a UTI entirely, but there are things you can do to help reduce your risk:

  • Stay hydrated. Try to drink enough water so that your urine is pale yellow. This helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
  • Don't hold it. Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge, and try to fully empty your bladder (leaning forward can help).
  • Wear breathable underwear. Cotton underwear helps keep the area dry (bacteria thrive in moisture). Consider skipping undies when you sleep, to allow air flow.
  • Wipe from front to back. Do this every time you use the bathroom.
  • Avoid irritating products. Douches, powders, and perfumed products (like shower gels, soaps, sprays, detergents, and toilet paper) can irritate sensitive tissue.
  • Eat well. Keep your resistance high by eating a healthy pregnancy diet and staying active. Talk with your provider about using probiotics or cranberry products to prevent UTIs.[3]#3 While their effectiveness is controversial, they have minimal to no risk.
  • Practice good hygiene. Keep your perineum clean and irritation-free by rinsing well every time you shower (showers, by the way, are better than baths). Again, it's also a good idea to wash the area and empty your bladder before and after sex.

While UTIs can be uncomfortable, they're usually easy to treat when caught early. Pay attention to your body, keep up with prenatal checkups, and reach out to your provider if you have the slightest hint of a UTI. Getting care quickly can help protect both your health and your baby's.