Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy

ICD 10 definition of urinary tract infections - infections affecting structures participating in the secretion and elimination of urine : the kidneys , ureters , urinary bladder and urethra.

Hw common ? UTI's are common in pregnancy - they are the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy It may be asymptomatic UTI in pregnancy has been associated with○ prelabour rupture of membranes○ preterm labor and delivery○ clinical and subclinical chorioamnionitis○ postpartum fever in mother and neonatal infection Pyelonephritis can be life threatening○ ↑ risk of perinatal and neonatal morbidity○ preterm delivery and low birth weight

Cause -Pregnant are at ↑ ed risk of UTIs Beginning in week 6-7 and peaks during weeks 22-24 Physiological alterations in the urinary tract○ dilatation of the ureters and renal pelvis○ decreased ureteral peristalsis○ bladder tone decreases --> increased urinary capacity○ ↑ urinary statsis and uretrovesical reflux○ blood volume expansion ↑ GFR and urinary output○ glycosuria Other factors which may contribute include○ anatomical changes for eg bladder displacement mechanical obstruction of ureters○ hyperestrogenism○ gestational bacterial virulence factors

As per site of infection -Urethra ( urethritis ) Bladder ( cystitis ) Kidney ( pyelonephritis ) Blood stream ( urosepsis )ORUpper or Lower urinary tract where the...