UTI and uva ursi tea

[mfrank]

My midwife suggested I take some cranberry pills and drink uva ursi tea for a UTI. However, everything I've read said do not take while pregnant. Anyone have any experience w/ taking uva ursi?

TIA!

[sky_and_lavender]

I would ask your midwife about her rationale. However, I *think* that uva ursi is more of a potential problem in early pregnancy. The reason for this could be that uva ursi works by making the bladder less "sticky" for bacteria, and so maybe it could increase risk of early m/c. But in an established late pregnancy, drinking it for a few days could be fine. (It should never be taken for more than a few days at a time.) I think wise woman herbalist Susun Weed recommends it in her book on pregnancy.

I used to use uva ursi tincture along with cranberry juice when I'd get awful UTIs and when I thought I had one during pregnancy, I was okay with doing the same regime for a few days. (In the end, I didn't have a UTI and didn't take anything.)

One thing about the UTI: DRINK TONS OF WATER. This is maybe the most important thing. And if you decide not to go with the Uva Ursi, there are other options.

[Mamatoabunch]

My last two pregnancies I have had several uti's, one antobiotics wouldn't touch. I was early preg after a m/c the month before. I have taken uva ursi tincture w/o any problems at all. I also flood myself w/ no sugar cranberry juice, cranberry tabs and tons of water.

[mfrank]

Thank you! I decided to drink the tea for a few days and hopefully it helped. I'll get tested again on Wednesday.