[SpringRain]

I'm 27 weeks and my midwife just called to tell me my urine test came back positive for a UTI. I don't have any symptoms, but I have been having a lot of braxton hicks and a few real contractions, so they decided to do the test. Now, I'm happy to know that there is a reason for all the contractions, but the midwife told me that they'll have to refer me to an OB. I have allergies to a lot of antibiotics, plus I just don't like to take them. I also don't want to get into the OB system as it seems like once they get you in the door, one thing leads to another IYKWIM.

So, the midwife suggested that I could try some natural remedies for 10 days and then test again. She suggested a UTI tincture (I'm not sure what's in it yet), cranberry juice (unsweetened), and cutting out all sugar. In your experience, will these work or should I just go to the OB? Is there anything else I might try?

 

[Drewsmom]

I feel for you. I have had UTI problems with both pregnancies . My first started around 18 weeks and this one I was able to stave them off without using antibiotics until 28 weeks. I am extremely resistant for some reason though and nothing works to clear them up only to keep the UTIs at bay. I have contractions as well which is what triggered me to check into it with my first baby.

I found with this pregnancy that drinking Black Cherry juice (tastes a bit like prune juice but better) which is good for the kidneys was what kept them away at the beginning and when the UTIs were in the beginning stages. Cranberry pills are another option if you don't want to drink unsweetened Cran. juice. Also you may want to ask someone here or talk to a lay midwife about the use of Uva Ursi (an antiseptic herb) and Nettles (good for cleaning your kidneys). They had the same effect for me as antibiotics though once my UTIs were blazing. They didn't totally clear them up, just kept them at bay. But if you're allergic to antibiotics then they're a very good option. Just be sure to check about them. My sis's friend who is a midwife told me about them and gave me a recipe to make them both into a tea. But the Uva Ursi you're not supposed to take for more than 10 days if I understand correctly.

I've heard that acupuncture also works, I haven't tried this one yet, maybe with the next baby (if there is one

).

That's interesting that your midwives would refer you to an OB. Are they lay or CNMs? I'm seeing some CNMs who are wonderful. One used to be a lay midwife before she got her certification and they haven't referred me to an OB. The only call their consulting OB if they have qu.s about my particular situation since I am so dog gone resistant. Also, if they do put you on an antibiotic be sure to check it out first. With baby #1 I ran the whole gammit of antibiotics unfortunately but I also knew which ones were class A. We moved to another part of the country and I was using another practice (before switching last month) who were trying to give me class C which aren't supposed to be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy...hello. I flat out refused.

Good luck.
Kristen

 

[Mona]

I just had the early stages of a UTI.
Here is what I did, and it was gone by the end of the day.
Buy the concentrated cranberry extract/juice from a health food store. Instead of mixing it with water, chug a couple glugs down, and immediately chase it with water. Do not do this on an empty stomach, as it is very strong. But it works!
I also downed a bunch of vitamin c, and took some probiotics.
I drank the straight cranberry concentrate every two hours, and drank lots of water.

HTH!