Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy

By Lara A. Friel, MD, PhD, University of Texas Health--Medical School at Houston

NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: Click here for the Consumer Version

Pregnancy Complicated by Disease
Introduction to Pregnancy Complicated by Disease
Anemia in Pregnancy
Asthma in Pregnancy
Autoimmune Disorders in Pregnancy
Cancer in Pregnancy
Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy
Fevers During Pregnancy
Fibroids in Pregnancy
Heart Disorders in Pregnancy
Hepatic Disorders in Pregnancy
Hypertension in Pregnancy
Infectious Disease in Pregnancy
Renal Insufficiency in Pregnancy
Seizure Disorders in Pregnancy
Disorders Requiring Surgery During Pregnancy
Thromboembolic Disorders in Pregnancy
Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy
Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy

UTI is common during pregnancy, apparently because of urinary stasis, which results from hormonal ureteral dilation, hormonal ureteral hypoperistalsis, and pressure of the expanding uterus against the ureters. Asymptomatic bacteriuria occurs in about 15% of pregnancies and sometimes progresses to symptomatic cystitis or pyelonephritis. Frank UTI is not always preceded by asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria, UTI, and pyelonephritis increase risk of

Preterm labor
Premature rupture of the membranes

Treatment

Antibacterial drugs such as cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
Proof-of-cure cultures and sometimes suppressive therapy

Treatment of symptomatic UTI is not changed by pregnancy, except drugs that may harm the fetus are avoided (see Table: Some Drugs With Adverse Effects During Pregnancy). Because asymptomatic bacteriuria may lead to pyelonephritis, it should be treated with antibiotics similar to an acute UTI.

Antibacterial drug selection is based on individual and local susceptibility and resistance patterns, but good initial empiric choices include the following:

Cephalexin
Nitrofurantoin
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

After treatment, proof-of-cure cultures are required.

Women who have pyelonephritis or have had more than one UTI may require suppressive therapy, usually with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (before 34 wk) or nitrofurantoin, for the rest of the pregnancy.

In women who have bacteriuria with or without UTI or pyelonephritis, urine should be cultured monthly.

Key Points

Asymptomatic bacteriuria, UTI, and pyelonephritis increase risk of preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes.
Initially treat with cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Obtain proof-of-cure cultures after treatment.
For women who have had pyelonephritis or more than one UTI, consider suppressive therapy, usually with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (before 34 wk) or nitrofurantoin.