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Urology18 papers

Urinary tract infection in pregnancy

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy can affect maternal and fetal health if left untreated, though asymptomatic bacteriuria does not appear to directly impact amniotic fluid sterility or neonatal infection risk 1.

Diagnosis

  • Asymptomatic bacteriuria screening recommended in early pregnancy 1.
  • Urinalysis for leukocytes and nitrites, urine culture for definitive diagnosis 1.
  • No specific grading system mentioned for UTI severity in pregnancy 1.
  • Management

  • First-line treatment: Nitrofurantoin 100 mg orally twice daily for 5-7 days 1 (specific dosing not detailed in abstract).
  • Alternative: Fosfomycin trometamol single dose or pivmecillinam 1 (specific dosing not detailed in abstract).
  • Avoid trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in first trimester due to potential teratogenic effects 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Asymptomatic bacteriuria treated to prevent pyelonephritis and associated risks 1.
  • No specific data provided for pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Screen for and treat asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women to prevent complications 1 (Evidence: Strong).
  • Use nitrofurantoin or fosfomycin trometamol for UTI treatment during pregnancy, avoiding trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the first trimester 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Maternal urinary infection does not necessarily lead to amniotic fluid infection or neonatal infection 1 (Evidence: Strong).
  • References

    1 Ives JA, Abbott GD, Bailey RR. Bacteriuria in pregnancy and infection in amniotic fluid and infant. Archives of disease in childhood 1971. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Bacteriuria in pregnancy and infection in amniotic fluid and infant.Ives JA, Abbott GD, Bailey RR Archives of disease in childhood (1971)

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