UTI, anyone?

froggy994

I was looking at my patient portal for the results of my initial ob labs. Everything was normal except I have an uti. I think they should of called me for these results since it's been posted for a week and I just looked but that's besides the point. They generally say they'll call with abnormal and post the rest online. 

My dr wants to put me on ampicillin which is an antibiotic. My concern is that I had c-diff while pregnant (and after delivery) from taking clindamycin for bacterial vaginitis. Ampicillin is one of those broad spectrum that can lead to cdiff, which I'm terrified to get again. 

Has anyone had an uti while pregnant and what did you take to cure it? 

I'm debating about calling the oncall dr to discuss but my husband says it's not an emergency and to wait to call the office tomorrow. 

Thanks in advance!

bklynchica

I had a bladder infection and was prescribed macrobid. I believe the proper rx depends on the type of bacteria that's causing it. 

froggy994

It's this one: ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS. At least that's what I gather from the posting. 

Did you take the macrobid while pregnant?

bklynchica

Mine was caused by enterococcus (sp?). Macrobid is standard for that type of infection. I think for e coli, different antibiotics can work. I was also really hesitant at the time and did a bunch of research.

bklynchica

@froggy994 Yup, same type of infection. The infection was diagnosed at about 7 weeks. I took it for 7 days, twice a day. 

bklynchica

I posted about it here at the time because I was worried and a few other women said they had previously taken it while pregnant, too.

MississippiCatfish

Does the dr who prescribed it know your C-Diff history?  Did they also do a culture?  If both are true, I think I would assume that they realize the risk but that was the best option per the culture.  I don't think it hurts to call tomorrow, though.

froggy994

Thanks. I'll search for the earlier post. The same dr office dealt with my cdiff but I'm very paranoid. I just need the reassurance that they remember my history. Having cdiff 2x is enough especially while pregnant! 

MississippiCatfish

froggy994 said:

Thanks. I'll search for the earlier post. The same dr office dealt with my cdiff but I'm very paranoid. I just need the reassurance that they remember my history. Having cdiff 2x is enough especially while pregnant! 

I think I'd be paranoid, too. Going through that while PG sounds MISERABLE!  

MaximumEffort

Everyone has C-diff, it is part of your normal stomach flora. When you take antibiotics it kills off the "not so strong" gut bacteria more letting the c-diff to overthrow and take over, thus leading to what they call c-diff.  You have an infection from your gastrointestinal track, pretty much you have a infection from your fecal matter. If they needed to by now they could have done a urine culture, which they did because they know the organism and can better identify the antibiotic that it is susceptible to. If you are paranoid then take some lactobacilis along with the antibiotic to keep the other gut flora healthy. Speaking as an RN who has smelled her fair share of C-diff, this is the course we take in the hospital.  

froggy994

If you had a cdiff infection while pregnant, ended up in the hospital on fluids and other antibiotics and then have it happen again while already taking two different strands of probiotics after delivery, you'd be very cautious, too @MaximumEffort.

My dr got back to me and decided to switch my treatment to macrobid. That makes me a little relieved. I'll still load up on my probiotics. I'm not sure if they forgot about my history or just sensed my panic and switched the treatment. 

MaximumEffort

@froggy994 never said not to be cautious. You never gave the extra information. I did give some detailed information that would have calmed you had this never happened to you before. 

ss145

Hi @froggy994 -  I had a UTI from the very start of my pregnancy. I'm a naturopath and to me, antibiotics is a last resort, not a no-brainer. Not trying to start an argument, just sharing my experience so froggy can make her own decision:)

I had a UTI and I was willing to take antibiotics IF I HAD TO. Situations you have to- when it's causing you such severe pain that your daily life is interfered. When it spreads to the kidneys. When you're near your due date and don't have time to wait out natural treatment. 

I did not have severe pain, I only had a discomfort (burning) when I pee'd. It was 100% not in my kidneys, because I've had that before and know what it feels like. And I'm in my first trimester so I have time to heal it. 

I drank lots lots and lots of water and pee'd regularly. I put lots of apple cider vinegar (Bragg's ACV with the mother) in my water. Symptoms were gone in a day, but I continued drinking ACV for 2 weeks just to make sure. I then went to the doctor and got my urine tested again, and it was 100% clear. 

Im very happy with my decision because whilst a doctor would have immediately put me on antibiotics, I managed to avoid something that would have a large effect on my baby and managed to say goodbye to the UTI at the same time! Yay!

(ps ACV is the magic bullet whilst pregnant, because you shouldn't have any bicarb soda during pregnancy (including Ural))

bklynchica

Yes, definitely flush it out with tons of water in conjunction with the antibiotics. While I was doing that, BF decided it would be a good time to have the leak in the back of our toilet looked at. The handyman ended up causing the toilet to flood the bathroom floor, and I had to pee in the shower twice, plus cried my eyes out at the timing. Thankfully the super came up and fixed it quickly.

froggy994

Thanks for the advice everyone. I didn't mean to be snarky at you, maximum effort. I just know that I have to be proactive and cautious. I'll look into Apple cider vinegar too. I'm on my third 40ounce bottle today of water. So much peeing.

MaximumEffort

If you're going to try cranberry juice for it, it has to be 100% juice. Many people are surprised to hear that ocean spray and other commercial juices are only 10% juice. 

MississippiCatfish

So glad they switched that up for you!  I was a little surprised to hear a broad spectrum was prescribed if they knew your history and there were alternatives (per a quick google search, wouldn't have known off the top of my head). I've never had a c-diff infection, but I've watched many, and TOTALLY understand your caution and respect the fact that you read up reputable info and advocated for yourself. Wish more patients would do that!