Preventing UTIs in pregnancy

Pregnancy raises UTI risk because hormones relax the urinary tract and the growing uterus can block full bladder emptying. UTIs in pregnancy are treatable but need to be caught early — untreated they can progress to kidney infection and trigger preterm labor. Preventive habits: pee shortly after intercourse, wipe front to back, drink water steadily through the day (not all at once), and don't hold urine in when you feel the urge. Cotton underwear and avoiding harsh soaps in that area also help. Any burning with urination, urgency, lower-belly pain, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or fever warrants a call. Symptoms can be subtle in pregnancy, so if something feels off, get a urine culture rather than waiting.