Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy

Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, or UTI, but what if you're pregnant?

Bacteria causes most UTIs, which are most common in women. And pregnant women are at increased risk, according to Robert O. Atlas, M.D., Chair of Mercy's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

"We worry about UTIs in pregnant women because of the risk of pre-term labor and harm to both mother and baby. Infections in the kidney can lead to sepsis and death," Atlas said.

A few of the symptoms can include an urge to urinate that does not go away, a burning feeling when urinating or urinating often.

To avoid this, it is advised pregnant women drink at least eight glasses of water a day, wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and empty your bladder before and after sex.

Women are also advised to inform their doctor if they think they might have a UTI. With proper care, a pregnant woman and her baby should be just fine.

View Dr. Robert Atlas' interview regarding urinary tract infection among women during pregnancy.