Urinary tract infections in pregnancy

A prevalence of 5%-10% during pregnancy, asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is associated with the development of symptomatic infection, including pyelonephritis, in 25%-30% of cases. This is a three to four-fold increase in the progression rate as seen in non-pregnant women. Obstetric complications, including preterm labor and low birth weight, have also been associated with bacteriuria during pregnancy. With the identification and eradication of ASB in pregnant women, it can decrease the likelihood of pyelonephritis and prevent preterm labor. Pregnant women should be systematically screened for ASM and appropriately treated. Multiple screening tests are available though urine cultures. Reliance on symptoms to prompt screening is inadequate as pregnancy itself provokes frequency and nocturia. An overview of the physiologic changes of the urinary tract associated with pregnancy; the significance of bacteriuria in pregnancy; the screening mechanisms available for bacteriuria; and the range of urinary tract infections associated with pregnancy and their treatments are presented.