Infecção urinária na gestação

The urinary tract infection (UTI) is a commom complication in pregnancy. Cystitis occurs in about 1-1,5% of pregnant women. Escherichia coli is the most common uropathogen, found in approximately 80% of the infected patients. Prematurity, low weight birth and even fetal death can be associated to UTI in pregnancy. The purpose of this update is to discuss the antibiotic therapy for the treatment of the lower tract urinary infection (acute cystitis) in different trimesters of pregnancy. Ampicillin is safe in any stage of the gestation; however the Escherichia coli shows high rates of the resistance to this drug. Cephalexin appears to be a safe drug at all stages of pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin should be avoided in the end of the gestation by the risk of neonatal hemolysis. The complications decrease by appropriated investigation and treatment. The early screening of the bacteriúria in the gestation, even if it is asymptomatic, has maternal and fetal benefits.