The unlikely link between UTIs and preterm births

Urinary tract infections, UTIs, caused by some types of bacteria and yeast affect men and women of all ages. Women, in general, are reported to suffer from at least one episode of UTI at some point in their life, and especially so when pregnant. One of the main reasons this commonly happens in pregnancy is due to the reduced immunity caused by accompanying hormonal and physiological changes. The urine chemical composition during pregnancy seems to contain more glucose and amino acids that create a conducive environment for microbial growth in urine.  UTIs are of great public health concern since they are common in pregnancy and can result into adverse outcomes to the mother and baby. A 2018 study by microbiologists who studied 210 pregnant women attending Nairobi’s Pumwani Maternity Hospital identified some predisposing factors for UTIs.