Due to all the physiological changes associated with pregnancy, pregnant women are at an increased risk for serious health complications from both symptomatic and asymptomatic UTIs.
Here are a few things to keep in mind...
Also, hormone levels (progesterone and estrogen) increase, which can weaken the ureter and bladder. In fact, 1 in 3 pregnant women will have some sort of bladder infection at some point in their pregnancy.
Pregnant women have reduced urine acidity as well as a higher concentration of sugar, protein, and hormones in their urine. Excess sugar can encourage bacterial growth, leading to UTIs.
Due to changes in hormones, some pregnant women can suffer from a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux, which causes this highly concentrated urine to flow back up from the bladder into the kidneys, leading to UTIs.
During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges and presses on the bladder, thus making it harder to fully empty the bladder. This leftover urine can lead to UTIs.
Group B streptococcus, which is found naturally in the colon and the vagina, also increases the risk of UTIs in pregnancy. Most pregnant women are screened around 36 weeks of pregnancy.