6 weeks pregnant - uti or kidney infection?

[AnxiousMoma]

Hello, I’m 6 weeks pregnant today, been having general period like aches off and on before my positive test, no bleeding or anything. Last week I sent in a urine sample to my doctor because I was weeing a lot, no other symptoms. She did a quick dip test which was negative but sent it off anyway. I got the results yesterday and it was positive for a UTI, so I’m on amoxicillin 500mg. But today I’ve started getting a dull ache off and on where my left kidney is (I think) in my upper back above my waist. I was already terrified of having a UTI/taking antibiotics because I’ve had miscarriages before. I am taking the antibiotics though obviously, but does this sound like it’s spread to my kidneys or just general pregnancy aches? I’m so worried and paranoid. Will the antibiotics sort out the kidney infection anyway if that’s what it is? I can’t talk to the doctor until Monday now and with covid I don’t want to go the hospital if I can help it as it’s not really hurting just more of a dull ache/twinge. Thank you

Hi OP,

Have you been in contact with your midwife yet or are you still waiting for this? If you do have a number for MW, definitely call and ask them what they think you should do. Alternatively, can you get hold of your community midwife office number and ask them if you haven't yet been assigned a MW. This way you won't need to wait until Monday for answers hopefully.

I don't think there's a guarantee your current antibiotics would clear a kidney infection (if it has indeed become this). You would need to get this checked by a GP or midwife.

I think the only other advice I can say is keep drinking lots of water to help flush it all out. Hope it gets sorted for you

Hi OP,

I also had a kidney infection going into my second trimester, only real symptom was my the pain in the left hand side of my back until urine test confirmed. The antibiotics I was on which I think were just for UTI did clear it, but of course would still recommend speaking with your doctor on Monday, just wanted to give you a bit of peace of mind until then! Also paracetamol and lots of water were my saviour - feel better soon!xx

I would get back in contact with your doctor as I suffer from kidney infections and what your describing sounds like a kidney infection, hopefully its not but better safe than sorry

Thank you everyone. I’ve not booked an appt with a midwife or anything yet as tbh I was expecting to start my period within a few days of my positive test as that’s what’s always happened before but not this time fingers crossed though I do have a scan book for the 10th to make sure its not another ectopic. The ache seemed to go as quickly as I felt it, not sure what that’s all about but I’m back to constantly needing a wee now which is frustrating as I only had that one symptom of the UTI for one day last week so no idea why that’s started again after I’ve started taking the antibiotics.
If the pain gets worse I’ll call someone but since the aches not been back since I think I’ll be okay to continue with my antibiotics and maybe just ring on Monday anyway as a precaution.
Thank you @ForeverHopeful67 your comment about your antibiotics clearing yours has reassured me a bit, I’ve done nothing but cry and worry

Seeing as your GP gave you Amoxicillin after your urine culture result, the bug should be sensitive to the antibiotic you are using. (Urine gets sent, tested for bugs and tested to see if antibiotics will work on those bugs)

Some back pain can be normal in pregnancy but can, if severe, be a sign of kidney infection. if so you'll usually be more ill, vomiting, bad back pain, cloudy/bloody urine plus fever/sweats/chills.

Since it has gone, you're likely on the mend but as with anything, if you have ongoing concerns speak to someone medical.