UTI in pregnancy

Posted by Kelly on May 19, 1999 at 16:19:43
I just went to my dr office because I feel crampy and nauseaus.  my dr did a clean catch urine and saw blood in my urine, so she says I probably have a uti.  I don't feel like I have a uti, I was wondering, should I have requested an ultrasound or check to see if my cramps are contractions?  I am 23 weeks and rh negative, since my husband is rh +, Im nervous.  Should I just relax?

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 19, 1999 at 21:57:06
Dear Kelly:
Cramps and nausea are symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Urinary frequency is already common in pregnancy and one may not have burning with voiding.
A urinalysis, whether by microscopic examination or a urine dip stick, will also show other feature of infection beyond blood: for examples, protein, nitrites, and white blood cells.If one is concerned that blood came from the vagina, a speculum examination would be the most helpful evaluation.
An ultrasound examination does not diagnose uterine contractions. The information the test will provideis that the baby is moving (at 23 weeks, ladies feel fetal movement)and has a heartbeat (detectable with an office stethescope or doptone). Urinary tract infection can promote irritability of the uterus.
Urinary tract symptoms respond quickly to increased fluid to dilute the urine
(acid fluids such as cranberry juice is often recommended) and antibiotic.
Keywords: urinary tract infection, pregnancyThis information is provided for educational purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.