Treatment for urinary tract infections during pregnancy is generally done with antibiotics such as cephalexin or ampicillin, for example, prescribed by the obstetrician, for around 5 to 7 days, after the doctor makes the diagnosis through a urine test.
It is important to undergo treatment for a urinary tract infection during pregnancy, even if it does not cause symptoms, as when left untreated, it can cause kidney problems, premature birth or miscarriage, for example. Know how to identify the symptoms of urinary tract infections during pregnancy.
In addition to the antibiotics prescribed by the obstetrician, there are home treatment options for urinary tract infections during pregnancy, such as coconut juice. cranberryfor example, to complement medical treatment, and it is also important to increase water consumption
Antibiotic treatment
Treatment with antibiotics for urinary tract infections during pregnancy aims to eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract, alleviate symptoms and prevent complications for mother and baby, such as pyelonephritis, which is a kidney infection, intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth or low birth weight of the baby.
The main antibiotics that may be recommended by the obstetrician for urinary tract infections during pregnancy are:
- Ampicillin;
- Amoxicillin;
- Amoxicillin + clavulanate;
- Cephalexin;
- Cefuroxima;
- Nitrofurantoína.
The use of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections during pregnancy should only be done under medical supervision, as not all antibiotics can be used, due to the risk that they could harm the baby.
Thus, the obstetrician recommends antibiotics after clinical evaluation of the woman and urine tests that identify the type of bacteria causing the urinary infection, in addition to the stage of pregnancy.
Antibiotic treatment should be carried out for the time recommended by the obstetrician, which generally varies from 5 to 7 days. It is important not to stop using the antibiotic, even if symptoms improve quickly, to avoid bacterial resistance.
In cases where a urinary infection affects the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis, treatment involves hospitalization and the use of intravenous antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, for example. Find out how pyelonephritis is treated.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
Home treatment for urinary tract infection during pregnancy
To complement the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you can also drink cranberry juice, also known as cranberry juice. cranberry, as it has an antiseptic and astringent action, helping to treat and prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy. Learn how to prepare cranberry juice.
See also how food can help cure urinary tract infections faster:
Care during treatment
During treatment for urinary tract infections during pregnancy, it is also important to take some precautions, such as:
- Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water, coconut water, natural juices or teas per day. See which teas pregnant women cannot drink;
- Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom;
- Urinating after having sex;
- Clean the intimate area from front to back;
- Avoid vaginal douches, deodorants or intimate perfumes;
- Avoid soaps that are not suitable for the intimate area.
These precautions help to reduce the duration of urinary infections and prevent the appearance of new urinary infections.
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in urinary tract infections during pregnancy include a decrease in pain or burning during urination, as well as a decrease in the urgency to urinate.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening urinary tract infection during pregnancy appear when treatment is not administered and include increased pain and burning during urination, increased frequency and urgency in urinating, cloudy urine and the appearance of blood in the urine.
If these signs appear, the doctor should be consulted to adapt the treatment, preventing complications.
Bibliography
- HABAK, P. J.; GRIGGS, JR R. P. IN: STATPEARLS (INTERNET). TREASURE ISLAND (FL): STATPEARLS PUBLISHING. Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy. 2023. Available at: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537047/>. Accessed on October 11, 2023
- Committee on Clinical Consensus – Obstetrics. Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Individuals. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 142. 2; 435-445, 2023
- KALINDERI, K.; et al. Urinary tract infection during pregnancy: current concepts on a common multifaceted problem. J Obstet Gynaecol. 38. 4; 448-453, 2018
- EXAMINE.COM. Cranberry juice for UTIs: natural remedy or old wives’ tale?. Available at: <https://examine.com/nutrition/cranberry-juice-for-utis/>. Accessed on April 7, 2020
