What does it mean to have bacteria in your urine when you're pregnant?

What does it mean to have bacteria in your urine when you're pregnant? Is it safe to take Amoxicillin for it? And what if it does not clear up? What does that mean?

A bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra into the bladder and multiply. If the level of bacteria is great enough, your natural immune system can't fight off the infection. Bladder infections are common in pregnancy and often lead to frequent urination, burning with urination, and urinating small amounts at a time. Sometimes, blood may even be seen in the urine. But it's normal in pregancy to have to empty your bladder all the time and only go a small amount when you do (especially in the beginning and end of pregnancy!). So these symptoms don't necessarily mean you have an infection. This opposite is also true -- you can have an infection without any symptoms at all. That is one of the reasons your urine is checked at each visit throughout your pregnancy. Women who've had frequent UTIs prior to pregnancy usually have urine cultures each trimester to look for silent or asymptomatic infections.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin derivative antibiotic and is safe to take during pregnancy. This treatment cures the vast majority of bladder infections. Women who've been treated for many prior infections often develop bacteria that are resistant to first-line antibiotics. These women may need to be treated with broader-spectrum or stronger antibiotics. And women who develop recurrent UTIs in pregnancy are often started on a low dose of antibiotic to be taken daily for the remainder of her pregnancy as a means of preventing infection.

The risk of an uncomplicated UTI during pregnancy is minimal, however some UTIs progress to a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). This condition is associated with fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and back pain. It warrants strong antibiotics and close observation as it may lead to premature labor.

Stay well and enjoy your pregnancy!

Labels: Pregnancy health