Urinary tract infection in pregnancy: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For urinary tract infection in pregnancy you can first see: Obstetrics & Gynecology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: burning when passing urine; frequent, urgent urination beyond what is normal in pregnancy; lower abdominal pain; cloudy or bad-smelling urine; it may cause no symptoms (only found on culture). Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: pregnancy hormones relaxing the urinary tract; pressure from the growing womb on the bladder; diabetes; previous urinary tract infections. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

It is treated with antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy; a follow-up culture is done after treatment. Kidney infection may need hospital admission.

It is more common in: all pregnant women; pregnant women with diabetes; women who have had urinary tract infections before.

It is diagnosed with a full urine test and urine culture.

Plenty of fluids, not holding in urine and passing urine after sex.

If untreated, it can raise the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight; with treatment the risk falls.

It is not normal; a urine test for infection should be done.

See a gynaecologist (obstetrician).

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there fever, chills, flank pain and vomiting (kidney infection)?” “Are there regular contractions or leaking fluid?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the same day for burning on urination in pregnancy; immediately for fever and flank pain.