Maternity & Reproductive Health

Question 2

UTI in Pregnancy

Answer 2

✓ It is very important that urine is sent for culture before starting antibiotics.
✓ Antibiotics should be taken for seven days in pregnancy following which another urine sample should sent to ‘test for cure’.
✓ If available follow local antimicrobial guidance.
✓ NICE CKS 1st line: Nitrofurantoin (avoid at term).
✓ 2nd line or if 1st line not suitable: Amoxicillin (only if culture results available and susceptible) or Cefalexin.
✓ Manufacturers advise avoid Trimethoprim in pregnancy as it has a known teratogenic risk in first trimester (folate antagonist).

Question 3

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Answer 3

Benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include:

Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer
Helps bonding between mother and child
Lowers long-term risk of type 2 diabetes
Saves money in milk formula costs (up to £600 per year)
Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby include:

Reduced incidence of infections – gastroenteritis, pneumonia and otitis media
Reduced incidence of obesity and diabetes in later life
Increased intelligence quotient (IQ) score
Reduced risk of developing asthma and eczema
Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome