Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy

Physiological changes in pregnancy affects genitourinary to become more vulnerable to urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI is defined as the presence of at least 100, 000 organisms per milliliter of urine in an asymptomatic patient or as more than 100 organisms/mL of urine with accompanying pyuria (greater than 7 white blood cells [WBCs]/mL. Pyelonephritis is the most common medical condition and could impact maternal and fetal morbidity. Prevention methods for UTI in pregnancy including behavioral methods and management for asymptomatic bacteriuria to lower the risk of pyelonephritis, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy usually 5 - 7 days using oral antibiotics.