URINARY-TRACT INFECTIONS COMPLICATING PREGNANCY

Urinary tract infections (asymptomatic bacteriuria, cystitis, and pyel onephritis) are frequently encountered medical complications of pregna ncy. The majority of infections in pregnancy are asymptomatic; however , even covert bacteriuria places the mother at risk for low birth weig ht and preterm birth. Pyelonephritis can result in significant materna l and fetal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, all pregnant women sho uld be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria, and urinary tract infect ions should be promptly treated to prevent adverse pregnancy outcome. This article reviews the diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and complicat ions associated with urinary tract infections in pregnancy.