Can Urinary Infection Cause Miscarriage: The UTI Risk You Should Know About

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common health issues during pregnancy — and if you’re pregnant and have been told you have one, you might be panicking about what it means for your baby. The short answer: a simple UTI that’s treated promptly is unlikely to cause a miscarriage. But if left untreated, an infection can spread and increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm labor, and low birth weight.

Let’s break down what the research says, what symptoms to look for, and why quick treatment matters for both you and your pregnancy.

Can a UTI cause an early miscarriage?

Yes — but with an important caveat. Most UTIs that are caught early and treated with antibiotics do not lead to miscarriage. The risk comes when a UTI goes untreated and spreads to the kidneys (called pyelonephritis). At that point, it can cause severe infection, fever, and even sepsis, which has been linked to pregnancy loss in some cases.

A 2019 study found that untreated UTIs in pregnancy were associated with increased risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. Another clinical report highlights that septic miscarriage (a pregnancy loss caused by infection) can occur when a UTI spreads into the bloodstream.

So, while a UTI doesn’t automatically increase your miscarriage risk, it does mean you should never ignore the symptoms. Early treatment is what keeps you safe.

What does a UTI feel like in early pregnancy?

Pregnancy symptoms can sometimes blur the lines, but common UTI signs usually stand out. They include:

• A burning sensation when peeing
• Needing to pee urgently or frequently, even if little comes out
• Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine
• Pain in the lower belly, back, or sides
• Feeling tired, achy, or generally unwell
• Fever or flu-like symptoms

The tricky part? Some pregnant people with UTIs don’t notice symptoms at all — this is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. That’s why routine urine tests are often part of prenatal care, so infections can be caught and treated before they cause problems.

How common is a UTI in early pregnancy?

Very common. In fact, UTIs are one of the most frequent infections during pregnancy. Research suggests that 1 in 6 pregnant women develop a UTI.

Pregnancy makes UTIs more likely for a few reasons. Hormonal changes, particularly higher levels of progesterone, relax the urinary tract and create an environment where bacteria can grow more easily. At the same time, the growing uterus presses on the bladder and ureters, which makes it harder to empty the kidneys, ureters, and bladder fully and allows bacteria to linger. On top of that, the immune system naturally shifts during pregnancy, which can make the body more vulnerable to infections. Because of these factors, UTIs are very common in pregnancy — but most providers are on high alert for them and will treat them quickly to lower the risk of complications.

Can you flush out a UTI with water when pregnant?

Unfortunately, no. While drinking more water can help dilute your urine and support bladder health, it won’t clear an infection that’s already there.

UTIs in pregnancy almost always require antibiotics that are safe for you and your baby. Your provider will prescribe something pregnancy-friendly (like amoxicillin or cephalexin, depending on your situation). Skipping antibiotics or trying to “flush it out” can increase your risk of the infection spreading.

That said, hydration does help prevent future UTIs, and it may ease discomfort while you’re waiting to start treatment.

Why untreated UTIs are riskier in pregnancy

For most people who aren’t pregnant, a UTI is uncomfortable but usually straightforward to treat. In pregnancy, the risks go up because the infection can progress more quickly.

Untreated UTIs have been linked with:

• Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
• Sepsis (blood poisoning)
• Preterm labor
• Low birth weight
• Pregnancy loss (in rare cases)

Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you notice burning, pain, or blood in your urine, if you develop a fever, chills, or back pain, or if you simply feel unusually unwell during pregnancy. If your doctor isn’t available and your symptoms are more severe — such as high fever, vomiting, or intense back pain — it’s safest to go straight to urgent care or the ER.

Tips to help prevent UTIs in pregnancy

While not every UTI can be avoided, some simple habits may lower your risk:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Pee after sex to flush out bacteria
• Wipe front to back
• Avoid scented wipes, bubble baths, or douches
• Wear breathable cotton underwear

If you’ve had recurrent UTIs in pregnancy, your provider may recommend more frequent urine screenings or preventive antibiotics.

UTIs in pregnancy can be serious, but very treatable

A urinary tract infection during pregnancy doesn’t automatically spell miscarriage — but ignoring it can open the door to complications that are far more serious. The key is simple: get checked as soon as you notice symptoms, follow your provider’s guidance on treatment, and remember that caring for your mental well-being is just as important as treating the infection itself.

The reassuring truth is that with prompt care, most UTIs clear up quickly and have no lasting impact on pregnancy. In fact, the vast majority of people who develop a UTI while pregnant go on to have safe, healthy pregnancies — proof that early action really does make all the difference.

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Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced women's health content writer and SEO content strategist, having written for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Fertility Mapper, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.