We are not supporting this browser

Pregnancy

      Cystitis and UTIs in pregnancy

      Texting

      Cystitis in pregnancy

      Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that causes a burning sensation when peeing. Urine is normally naturally sterile, but during pregnancy your urinary tract becomes relaxed and dilated, so the chances of bacteria getting up there increases. This puts you at higher risk of UTIs, including cystitis, during pregnancy.

      Symptoms of cystitis

      • Pain, burning or stinging whilst weeing.
      • A frequent and urgent need to wee but only passing small amounts

      Preventing UTIs in pregnancy

      Try following these simple steps to help you prevent a urine infection during pregnancy:

      • Wee as soon as you can after sex
      • After going to the loo, wipe from front to back
      • Don’t wait to go to the loo if you can help it, and try and empty your bladder as much as possible when you do go
      • Keep your bits clean! But avoid long or frequent baths and avoid using perfumed or antiseptic products
      • Wear cotton undies and avoid tights or close-fitting jeans and trousers
      • Drink plenty of water

      Treating cystitis and other UTIs during pregnancy

      If you think you may have a bladder infection, ask your healthcare professional for advice. They will be able to recommend a pregnancy-safe treatment. Once diagnosed, the most effective way to treat a UTI during pregnancy is with a short course of antibiotics. While you’re suffering, drink plenty of water. Drinking cranberry juice is also said to help relieve the symptoms of cystitis.

      Any more questions?

      Our specialist baby advisors and experienced mums are here to talk and ready to help whenever you need them. You can call us or reach us on Live Chat 8.30am-5.30pm Monday-Friday.

      Join the C&G baby club today

      Join the C&G baby club today

      • Weekly emails with tips and advice for your stage
      • 1-to-1 support from our dedicated Careline team, 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
      Join us now

      More from pregnancy

      Your privacy is important to us and therefore we would like to explain how we use cookies on this website. With your consent, we will use cookies to measure and analyse how our website is used (analytical cookies), to tailor it to your interests (personalisation cookies), and to show you relevant advertising and information (targeting cookies) we think you will like. For more information please read the cookie statement.

      Privacy Settings

      You can choose your preferences anytime for cookies and tracking. For more information please read our cookie policy

      • Strictly necessary

        They are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services (setting your privacy preferences, logging in, filling in forms, etc.). You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.

      • Analytical cookies

        They allow us to count visits and traffic sources, to measure and improve the performance of our site. They show us which pages are the most and least popular and how visitors move around the site. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

      • Personalisation cookies

        They enable website’s enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third parties whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

      • Targeting cookies

        They may be set through our site by our advertising partners, to build a profile of your interests and to show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.