UTI - do I need antibiotics?

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So at last week (28) midwife appointment there was nothing found in my urine and this week seeing a consultant using the dip stick test she saw a likely UTI and sent the sample off.
I came home and drank a ridiculous amount of water and have been carrying on doing so and all symptoms have pretty much cleared up now.
I’ve had quite a few UTIs in the past - took antibiotics for two when I was in a lot of pain but generally just drank a lot more water than normal and they cleared up. I think if I get them quite early they’re easy to self control.

Anyway, presuming the sample comes back positive can I ask for another dip stick test before starting any antibiotics? I’d just rather avoid during pregnancy if I can. At the same time, I know a UTI that spreads can be very dangerous in pregnancy.

Are you supposed to just take the antibiotics as early as given in pregnancy? Does anyone know?

There is more risk from a UTI than antibiotics. I would hazard a guess that the consultant will probably know what they are doing!

Utis are more serious in pregnancy and if you are advised to take antibiotics you should. Your immune system is weaker and the presence of the baby makes pyelonephritis and sepsis more likely which could induce early labour. Your baby is developed now and the antibiotics prescribed will be safe so on balance you would be taking more of a risk by not take g them.

I had UTI, and a kidney infection 4 times throughout my whole pregnancy. I had to take antibiotics for each one and I've now got a perfectly happy and energetic 2 year old! It is far more risky not taking antibiotics for UTI than it is taking them. You are at risk of preterm labour so I would take the antibiotics and drink plenty of fluids to flush out your system.

Your immune system is lower durring pregnancy (so you don’t reject the baby with alien DNA to yours) so it probably be harder to fight off. UTI can cause premature labour which is why pregnant women are always tested for in when they see a midwife.

You need the antibiotics. An untreated infection risks the life of your baby.

Meant to add I took antibiotics twice during pregnancy for a kidney infection

UTI can cause preterm labour. I'd be keen to get another test and start antibiotics if necessary.

I have had recurrent UTI's all my life. In my childhood about 7 a year, in my adult life probably about 4 a year although the last two years I have ended up in hospital with them.

I noticed the symptoms start on Thursday (14+3) went straight to docs, couldn't see a doctor but left a sample and picked up antibiotics.

If they tell you to take them, take them. A UTI can turn quite quickly even if you don't have any symptoms. Drinking copious amounts of water unfortunately does not kill the bacteria. Just makes you pee more.

Don’t hesitate taking the antibiotics if you are given them.

I have chronic long term utis and I take daily antibiotics, upping them as necessary. I took them throughout both my pregnancies (10 years apart). No issues whatsoever.

Had a uti (no symptoms) that turned into a kidney infection. Was the most painful thing in my life, and put my baby at risk. I wouldn't hesitate to take the antibiotics.

Ok thanks, I’ll take them if they tell me I have one.
I’m just fed up because the consultant appointment was obviously about something else and I went on worrying about 10 things and then those are still things I’m worrying about but now I’ve got an 11th thing.