Are urinary tract infections harmful to pregnant women?
Pregnancy and urinary tract infections often go hand in hand since pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing UTIs. Pregnancy hormones cause changes in the urinary tract which predispose women to infections. In addition, as the uterus grows it presses on the bladder and can prevent complete emptying of urine. This stagnant urine is a likely source for infection. Untreated, these infections may lead to kidney infections. Urinary tract infections in pregnant women should be treated to prevent complications such as premature labour.
