| Urinary tract infections occur more frequently in pregnancy, for reasons that include decreased peristalsis as a result of increases in progesterone, outflow obstruction, and maternal immunosuppression. A history and physical will reveal evidence of dysuria, urgency, and urinary frequency, or the patient may be asymptomatic, but a routine urinalysis will reveal white blood cells and nitrates, and cultures of the urine will grow bacteria. During pregnancy, antibiotic selection is more limited, and amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, or cephalexin is indicated for three days. If pyelonephritis (kidney infection) occurs or there are recurrent infections, longer therapy may be required. [9] | | | | |