women s health issues
Bladder and Kidney Infections After Delivery
Treatment
Antibiotics Typically, women are given an antibiotic by vein (intravenously) for a kidney infection or by mouth for a bladder infection. If there is no evidence that the bladder infection has spread to the kidneys, antibiotics may be given for only a few days. If a kidney infection is suspected, antibiotics (such asceftriaxonealone orampicillinplusgentamicin) are given until the woman has had no fever for 48 hours. Often, antibiotics are then given by mouth for 7 to 14 days. After culture results are available, the antibiotic may be changed to one that is more effective against the bacteria present. Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the kidneys functioning well and flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract. Another urine sample is cultured 6 to 8 weeks after delivery to verify that the infection is cured. 