Urinary tract infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Urinary tract infection during pregnancy is common and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It can be asymptomatic. Screening of all women by urine culture should be performed in early pregnancy, despite the cost. Treatment should be guided by urine culture and sensitivity reports. Antibiotic treatment should continue for 7 days, as shorter courses are not as effective during pregnancy. Learning objectives: To identify the clinical presentations. To understand the evidence base for effective investigation and treatment. Ethical issues: The empirical use of antimicrobial treatments increases drug resistance and must be balanced against delay in treatment and the associated morbidities. Please cite this article as: McCormick T, Ashe RG, Kearney PM. Urinary tract infection in pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:156–162.