Abstract:
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue among
pregnant women. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs, but their use during
pregnancy raises concerns about safety and the development of antibiotic resistance.
Alternative approaches to preventing and managing UTIs in pregnancy have been
suggested as potential options.
Methods: This review aims to summarize the current evidence on antibiotic use,
safety considerations, and alternative approaches for preventing and managing UTIs in
pregnant women. Relevant studies were identified through searches of several
databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The search was
conducted from inception to September 2021, and it included studies in English.
Results: Antibiotics remain the primary treatment for UTIs in pregnancy. However,
several alternative approaches, such as cranberry products, probiotics, and behavioral
interventions, have been suggested as potential options for preventing and managing
UTIs in pregnant women. These approaches have varying levels of evidence to support
their efficacy, and their safety profiles have not been fully established.
Conclusion: Preventing and managing UTIs in pregnancy require a multidisciplinary
approach that balances the benefits and risks of antibiotic use and alternative
approaches. Clinicians should consider safety and efficacy profiles of different options
when treating pregnant women with UTIs. Further research is needed to establish the
safety and efficacy of alternative approaches.
Keywords: Urinary tract infections, pregnancy, antibiotics, safety considerations,
alternative approaches, cranberry products, probiotics, behavioral interventions,
multidisciplinary approach.
