UTI in pregnancy?

[alicemay1605]

Hi everyone, so I’m 17 weeks pregnant and I get recurring UTI, usually without symptoms. I had a UTI at my first midwife appointment (around 10 weeks) but for some reason, the dip test came back clear and only showed I had UTI when it was sent off. I had a weeks worth of antibiotics. I then had another midwife appointment at 15 weeks pregnant, my urine showed high levels of nitrites on the dip test so was sent off to be tested, my urine smells really strong and unusual, and today I’ve started getting pain in my right side under rib and travelling to the front right side. It’s not a constant pain, just occasional and feels like I’ve been punched. I’ve not heard anything back from midwife yet and it’s been 2 weeks. I’m assuming this is another UTI but unsure what to do? Also getting a lot of pressure in my lower pelvic area, this may just be pregnancy related but when me and my partner have sex, the cramping is unbearable.

Call the gp. They can still treat you during pregnancy!

Yes, call the GP for a test for the UTI

Agree with other posters - call your GP and say you suspect another UTI/that the original one didn't clear. They should be able to look up your most recent test and if not (or if it is clear) they should get you to do another urine sample to check or ask them to if they don't suggest it.

I'd never had UTIs before PG but have had one detected 6 times now and they think that the antibiotics never fully cleared the original infection even though I've tried 3 different kinds. I also got pain and pressure/bloat when my UTI flared up and was in a lot of discomfort through 1st and 2nd trimesters. 3rd trimester is easy in comparison - I can bend down without grimacing! After the 5th time a UTI was detected I was referred for a kidney scan to double check there was no underlying cause (fortunately not) and now on prophylactic (low dose) antibiotics for the remainder of my pregnancy.

The downside of this is that antibiotics apparently make you more susceptible to fungal infections. I now have recurring yeast infections (another delightful new experience for me!) which are tricky to stay on top of so something to watch out for if you've taken a few courses of antibiotics. And then the recurring yeast infections are a flag for gestational diabetes so tested for that... it never ends!

The other thing I learned is that UTIs, especially in 1st trimester make it more likely (still unlikely) that your waters can go early. I've been really cautious to get tested whenever I've had watery discharge - everything is fine but I think it's worth being extra vigilant.

UTIs in pregnancy should be taken very seriously, they can threaten the pregnancy.

Please urgently call your GP and take it from there.