A pregnant woman presents at the pharmacy with burning on passing urine and increased urinary urgency. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Advise self-care with over-the-counter remedies
• B. Recommend cranberry juice as a remedy
• C. Refer her to the GP for further investigation and prompt treatment
• D. Suggest delaying medical advice unless symptoms worsen

Answer: (C)

In pregnancy, urinary symptoms like burning and urgency warrant medical evaluation because a bladder infection can progress and affect both mother and baby. Treating a UTI promptly with pregnancy-safe antibiotics reduces the risk of complications such as pyelonephritis, preterm birth, or fetal distress. Relying on self-care or cranberry juice is not appropriate here, as there’s insufficient evidence that these approaches reliably treat infection during pregnancy. The safest course is to refer her to a GP for a urine test and prompt treatment after assessment. Delaying medical advice increases the risk of complications, so early professional input is the best option. If symptoms suggest more severe infection (fever, back pain, vomiting), urgent medical care is required.