Before your pregnancy, you have probably experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some time. The burning and cramping while urinating and the constant need to keep going to the bathroom just to get even more uncomfortable trying to pee again. Ugh! But what happens if you get a UTI in pregnancy?
Now that you’re pregnant, you’re actually even more likely to get a UTI, but without the dreadful symptoms. Woohoo!
But, before you start cheering… remember that our pain is useful in signaling that something needs to be brought to our attention. So, when these symptoms are masked, it can lead to even more problems!
In this post, we’re going to address, what a urinary tract infection is, urinary tract infection symptoms, prevention, UTI in pregnancy treatment, urinary tract infection causes, and everything else you need to know about these uncomfortable infections that occur more frequently in pregnancy.
What’s a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system.
A UTI in pregnancy may be categorized based on if it is a lower urinary tract infection or an upper urinary tract infection depending on which part of the urinary system is infected.
Interestingly, a UTI in pregnancy is more common, harder to identify, and needs treatment to mitigate the potential risks to you and your baby.
Why Are UTIs in Pregnancy More Common?
Firstly, urinary tract infections are more common in females compared to males because of the length of the urethra. The urethra is the tube through which urine leaves the body from the bladder [1].
In males the urethra is 20 cm long, and in females the urethra is 4 cm long. Basically, the shorter the urethra, the easier it is for bacteria to potentially ascend into the urinary system.
Sometimes, weight gain in pregnancy can cause the female urethra to shorten during this time, making it another factor of increased UTI occurrences in pregnancy
Secondly, progesterone, which increases throughout pregnancy, causes smooth muscle relaxation. This can decrease the burning and cramping discomforts that often accompany a pesky urinary tract infection. A UTI without symptoms is called asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Further, the smooth muscle relaxation caused by high progesterone, can make it difficult to fully empty the bladder when urinating.
This can lead to some urine being left in the bladder causing a bacterial infection, and even hydronephritis, a condition where one or both kidneys become stretches and swollen as a result of a build-up of urine inside of them.
Risk Factors for a UTI in Pregnancy
Factors that can increase the risk of a UTI in pregnancy:
- A previous UTI
- Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners
- Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora. For example, menopause or the use of spermicides can cause these bacterial changes.
- High progesterone in pregnancy making it difficult to fully empty the bladder
- Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
- Structural problems in the urinary tract
- Poor hygiene
- Dehydration
- Using a diaphragm for birth control (before the pregnancy, of course)
- Catheterization
What Are the Risks of UTI in Pregnancy?
A UTI in pregnancy can be critical.
Research has found that UTIs in pregnancy lead to an increased risk of: [2]
- Development into pyelonehpritis, which is a kidney infection in one or both kidneys and the surrounding area
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight infants
While these increased risks are critical, it’s also important to know that the UTI in pregnancy occurrence rate is 2-10% [3]. So, while there is an increased risk, it is not scary high. However, this is why obtaining a urine culture and urinalysis in pregnancy can be essential in some cases.
Further, if you have any concerns, especially kidney pain in your back, you should reach out to your midwife or OB immediately.
Urinary Tract Infection in Early Pregnancy
Now knowing the risks of a UTI in pregnancy, the reason that UTIs in early pregnancy are even more concerning, is due to the increased risk of preterm birth.
The earlier the pregnancy = the earlier the potential preterm birth which would directly affect the baby’s health when they are born.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Like we discussed, often a UTI in pregnancy is asymptomatic.
However, if you do experience any urinary tract infection symptoms in pregnancy, they may include:
- Cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor
- Burning with urination
- Low grade fever
- Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
- Strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied
Symptoms of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Mid back pain or pain in the side of your back
- Nausea or vomiting
How a Urinary Tract Infection is Caused
A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria entering the urinary system.
The most common culprit of a urinary tract infection is Escherichia coli (E. coli) which is responsible for 80% of urinary tract infections. [5]
Other bacteria that are associated with a UTI in pregnancy are:
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Proteus mirabilis
- Enterobacter
- Enterococcus
- Group B streptococcus [5]
For more information on Group B streptococcus in pregnancy and in the newborn, check out: GBS in Pregnancy: Risks and Prevention.
7 Natural Remedies to Prevent a UTI in Pregnancy
If you’re looking for natural remedies to get down to the cause of your UTI(s) and help treat them, this list is for you.
1. good hygiene
Some examples of good hygiene to reduce the risk of a UTI in pregnancy includes:
- Both you and your partner washing genitals before and after sex
- Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom
- Smart sex practices to minimize bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra
2. stay hydrated
During pregnancy, you should do your absolute best to get 100 fl oz of fluids every day. These fluids can include:
- Water
- Milk
- Juice (diluted)
- Coconut water
- Broth
- Smoothies
- Sparkling water
- Probiotic water
- Kefir
- Electrolyte drinks
Optimal hydration during pregnancy is critical to accommodate for your increasing blood volume and ensuring there’s adequate amniotic fluid for your baby to grow in and be able to turn head down, rather than remaining breech when labor begins.
3. take probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the human body.
They help keep the bad bacteria in check and prevent them from overgrowth which would lead to an infection, such as a UTI.
For optimal immune system, metabolism functioning, and preventing a UTI in pregnancy, it’s best to ingest 50 billion CFU of probiotics, made for the female system, daily.
You can find these probiotics in some drinks, foods, or capsuled supplements.
Drinks and foods you can find with probiotics include:
- Pickled vegetables
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Sourkraut
- Yogurt
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Sour cream, cottage cheese, aged cheese
Otherwise, if you’d like to take a probiotic supplement, I highly recommend Physician’s Choice Probiotics for Women with 50 billion CFU (colony-forming units) because it contains 6 different probiotic strains made for the female system, it includes some extra cranberry and D-Mannose, and it is organic!
4. optimize your immune system
Boost your immune system to ward off the pesky UTIs in pregnancy.
To boost your immune system effectively in pregnancy, consider taking these daily:
- Vitamin C with Flavinoids: 500-1,000 mg. This also helps decrease your risk of preterm labor. If you’re interesting in this supplement, check out Nature’s Way Vitamin C Bioflavinoids. This is a reliable brand with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C!
- Cranberry: 450-500 mg. A compound in cranberries has been found to prevent bacteria (including multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli) from adhering to epithelial cells of the urinary tract [7]. Blueberries, and the herb, Uva Ursi also possess this compound. You can ingest cranberries to help prevent a UTI in pregnancy from capsules, powder, juice, or raw cranberries.
- Zinc: 75-100 mg. Zinc helps boost your immune system and metabolism function. Check out the NOW Zinc Supplement with 50 mg in each tablet (take two for 100 mg if you’d like) for a tested brand with high quality zinc!
5. D-Mannose
D-Mannose is a kind of sugar that is related to glucose. It even occurs naturally in some cells in the human body.
D-Mannose is a supplement that can be used in pregnancy. It has been found to increase UTI treatment success with antibiotics and help prevent UTIs from occurring [6].
There are many different brands of D-Mannose you can find and purchase online. However, if you are interested in a reliable and effective D-Mannose supplement, check out the Zazzee Naturals 1,000 mg D-Mannose Capsules. I recommend this brand because they are high-potency, vegan capsules, that provide a 3-month supply for you to take daily. Additionally, they are tested, made in the U.S., and made without GMO ingredients.
7. wear the right underwear
Bacteria thrives in warm and moist areas. This can include your vulva!
It’s best to wear cotton underwear because the cotton actually absorbs any extra moisture and the material allows for more air passage — as opposed to synthetic fibers that put you more at risk for yeast infections when they trap heat and moisture.
This also means that cotton underwear can keep your vulva cooler and less moist to prevent the development of a yeast infection or a UTI in pregnancy.
If you’re looking for the best organic cotton underwear for women (including for your pregnancy, of course!), check out the Pact Women’s Organic Cotton Classic Fit Bikini Underwear (2-pack). Pact is an organic clothing brand that I trust because they care about organic clothing, sustainability, and quality that will make your purchase last.
Plus, if you’re comfortable sleeping naked, this can allow your vulva to air out a bit better and help prevent any unnecessary bacterial growth that can lead to a UTI in pregnancy.
8. take showers instead of baths
If you love baths and they provide you tranquility and pain relief then you should continue taking warm baths in your pregnancy!
However, if you have been struggling with UTIs even before your pregnancy, consider taking showers instead. This is because bacteria thrives in warm and moist areas which can lead to, more commonly, a yeast infection, but also potentially a UTI.
What Are the Different Types of UTIs?
- Vaginitis – infection of the vagina.
- Urethritis – infection of the urethra.
- Cystitis – infection of the bladder. Cystitis is the most common lower urinary tract infection.
- Pyelonephritis – infection of the kidneys.
Does Cranberry Juice Help with Bladder Infection?
“Does cranberry juice help with bladder infection or UTIs?” This is such a common question! A good one, too!
As I mentioned above in the natural remedies to prevent UTIs in pregnancy, high quality research has found that there is a compound in cranberries that has has been found to prevent bacteria (including multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli) from adhering to epithelial cells of the urinary tract [7].
This compound is known as proanthocyanidins, or “PACs.”
Knowing this, it seems that cranberries can certainly help prevent urinary tract infections and help treat them.
Additionally, blueberries and an herb called Uva Ursi, also possess this supportive compound!
Check out Puritan’s Pride Naturally Sources Cranberry Fruit Concentrate Supplements available from Amazon for urinary tract health. Each capsule contains 500 mg of cranberry which is the recommended dose daily for preventing or helping treat a UTI in pregnancy.
UTI in Pregnancy: Treatment
Due to the risks of UTI in pregnancy, antibiotics are often the first line of treatment recommended by both midwives and OBs.
Even so, there are natural remedies for UTIs you can try during pregnancy in conjunction with antibiotics.
To help your body fight the UTI while taking antibiotics, use all of the natural remedies to prevent a UTI in pregnancy.
Plus, you may want to add in some natural antibiotics, like garlic, to assist in getting rid of this bacterial infection.
Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy: Antibiotics
Like I mentioned, antibiotics are often highly recommended for a UTI in pregnancy.
There are four different antibiotics that are safe and effective to use in pregnancy and two that you should definitely avoid.
Antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy include:
- Amoxicillin
- Nitrofurantoin
- Fosfomycin
- Cefalexin
Antibiotics to avoid during pregnancy include:
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole – Trimethoprim is a folate-antagonist and sulfamethoxazole increases bilirubin in the baby.
- Ciprofloxacin – This antibiotic causes problems with bone development for the baby.
Noteworthy, after taking antibiotics for a UTI in pregnancy, you may develop a vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection can be caused by an imbalance of good bacteria to keep things like bad bacteria and fungi “in check.”
So, if you find yourself with a yeast infection (an itchy vulva, sweet smelling odor, extra thick white or tan vaginal discharge, etc.), check out Yeast Infection in Pregnancy: Symptoms and Treatment.
Thankfully, this infection is often much more easily treated with natural remedies compared to a urinary tract infection during pregnancy.
Will a Urinary Tract Infection Go Away on Its Own?
It’s rare that a urinary tract infection will go away on its own, but it is possible.
If you were not pregnant and didn’t have symptoms, it would usually be okay to let it “ride out” and see how it goes.
Although, during pregnancy asymptomatic infection is really common due to the pregnancy hormones discussed above. This makes it risky to play with forgoing treatment, considering the increased risks of a UTI in pregnancy.
Still, you may try the natural remedies listed above in conjunction with the prevention tips for a few days and see if there is improvement before antibiotic use.
Nonetheless, this is highly individualized depending on you, your midwife, and the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Some bacteria are nearly impossible to treat without antibiotics (such as Klebsiella pneumoniae), making the risks of the UTI in pregnancy far outweigh the benefits of trying to treat it naturally.
Questions or Comments on UTI in Pregnancy?
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below👇🏻
Talk soon, mama!
– Katelyn Lauren
Pin “7 Natural Remedies for UTI in Pregnancy” for Later!
Save this post to your Pinterest to view again anytime!
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something through my links at no cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer for more info.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
References:
[1] National Cancer Institute: Urethra
[2] Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy
[3] Marshall, J. E., & Raynor, M. D. (2020). Myles textbook for Midwives. Churchill Livingstone.
[5] Phillippi, J., & Kantrowitz-Gordon, I. (2024). Varney’s midwifery. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
[6] Ala-Jaakkola, R., Laitila, A., Ouwehand, A.C. et al. Role of D-mannose in urinary tract infections – a narrative review. Nutr J 21, 18 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-022-00769-x
[7] Jepson RG, Craig JC. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD001321. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub4. Accessed 26 May 2024.
Leave a Reply