Your Care Instructions

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of the bladder and other urinary structures. Most UTIs occur in the bladder. They often cause pain or burning when you urinate. UTI is the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy. If untreated, a UTI could lead to problems such as a kidney infection or preterm labour.

Most UTIs can be cured with antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe during pregnancy. Be sure to finish your medicine so that the infection does not spread to your kidneys.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Drink extra water and other fluids for the next day or two. This will help wash out the bacteria causing the infection. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Urinate often. Try to empty your bladder each time.

Preventing UTIs

• Drink plenty of fluids. This helps you urinate often, which clears bacteria from your system. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Urinate when you first have the urge.
• Urinate right after you have sex. This is the best way for women to avoid UTIs.
• After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from entering the vagina or urethra.