Management of UTIs during pregnancy

This article summarizes the pathophysiology, patient presentation, diagnostic testing, and current treatment modalities for pregnant women presenting with urinary tract symptoms in pregnancy. Urinary tract infection is a common health problem, affecting millions of people each year. However, this seemingly benign condition may have serious consequences if it occurs during the course of a woman's pregnancy, and if untreated could lead to pyelonephritis, preterm labor, or Group B Streptococcal infection in the newborn. Thus, the prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of urinary tract infections in pregnancy have become essential components of prenatal care.