Quick read
Key points
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Urinary tract infections are more common during pregnancy, partly because hormonal changes relax the muscles of the urinary tract, making it easier for bacteria to travel upward, and partly because the growing uterus can affect how completely the bladder empties. Symptoms typically include a burning sensation when urinating, needing to go more often, and sometimes cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Burning or stinging when urinating, or needing to go more frequently than usual
01 · Know
What is Urine Infections (UTIs) in Pregnancy?
Urinary tract infections are more common during pregnancy, partly because hormonal changes relax the muscles of the urinary tract, making it easier for bacteria to travel upward, and partly because the growing uterus can affect how completely the bladder empties. Symptoms typically include a burning sensation when urinating, needing to go more often, and sometimes cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
UTIs are important to treat promptly in pregnancy, since if left untreated they can potentially spread to the kidneys or, in some cases, contribute to preterm labour. The good news is they're usually straightforward to treat with pregnancy-safe antibiotics.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Routine urine tests catch infections early
Urine samples are checked at routine antenatal visits partly to catch UTIs that may not be causing obvious symptoms, since untreated infection can occasionally lead to more serious complications.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Maternity Team
- 1Burning or stinging when urinating, or needing to go more frequently than usual
- 2Cloudy, strong-smelling, or blood-tinged urine
- 3Lower abdominal discomfort alongside urinary symptoms
- 4Any symptoms suggesting the infection may have spread to the kidneys, such as back pain or fever
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
UTIs in Pregnancy Should Always Be Treated Promptly
Unlike outside of pregnancy, UTIs during pregnancy are usually treated even if symptoms are mild, since untreated infection carries additional risks.
- 1See your GP or maternity team promptly.A simple urine test can confirm a UTI, and pregnancy-safe antibiotics will usually be prescribed.
- 2Complete the full course of antibiotics.Even if symptoms improve quickly, finishing the prescribed course helps clear the infection fully.
- 3Drink plenty of water.Staying well hydrated helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- 4Urinate frequently and fully.Don't hold urine for long periods, and try to empty your bladder completely each time.
- 5Wipe front to back.This simple habit reduces the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Urine infections (UTIs) in pregnancy ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
UTIs in pregnancy are common and treated effectively with antibiotics that are safe to take while pregnant.
Prompt treatment matters more in pregnancy than at other times, so don't delay seeking care for urinary symptoms.