Is it possible for UTI to go away on its own without antibiotics?

I had a UTI just 4 weeks ago that led to a lot of pain and it went awya after a week of antibiotics. A few days ago, I had slight burning while peeing so I asked the GP if I should send a urine sample for testing just in case and she agreed. I've just found out the test showed an infection, but I haven't had any more burning while peeing or any other symptoms since then. So now I'm wondering whether it's absolutely necessary to take antibiotics again or if there's a chance it might go away on its own (or maybe it already has since I have no symptoms?). On the one hand, I don't want it to get really bad and for example spread to my kidneys. On the other hand, I'd rather avoid antibiotics so soon again because it's not great for the baby. Waiting for a call back from NHS 111, but thought I'd ask if anyone has a personal experience to share.

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Try cranberry juice

You’re doing the right thing by consulting the NHS. I’m cystitis prone when not pregnant and control it with D-mannose, sodium citrate sachets and hygiene. Whilst pregnant, I couldn’t shift an infection which got progressively worse and had to go on cefalexin - immune system is weakened when pregnant so your body might not do as well clearing it. A few years ago I had an infection that worked its way up to my kidneys and it was…EXCRUCIATING. You’re already clued up that if this happens during pregnancy, it’s dangerous. The most pain I’ve ever felt. The bacteria can lie dormant even in your bladder and be reactivated at times of stress/illness and there aren’t symptoms - I think I have this. I’ve downloaded an app that reminds me to drink water, which might better help in the future as quite often, it’s when I’m not drinking enough that it happens. Hope they get you sorted. X

There’s no evidence that the antibiotics used for UTIs affect your baby. An infection however could. I had multiple UTIs in my last pregnancy, none in this one. Sometimes it burned when I peed but actually I just had a feeling of feeling rough with one of them, the antibiotics cleared it up and I felt much better.

Thanks for the replies. I have a penicillin allergy, so the non-penicillin based antibiotics I can take are all "not ideal" during pregnancy - i.e. they can be taken if necessary (if the benefits outweigh the costs) but they all have some undesirable effects as far as I understand. Anyway it sounds like it's better to take antibiotics just to be safe, but I really hope this infection doesn't keep coming back every few weeks until January 😭

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