What is a potential complication of an untreated urinary tract infection during pregnancy?

• A. Gestational diabetes
• B. Preterm labor
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. Placenta previa

Answer: (B)

An untreated urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy can lead to several complications, primarily due to the risk of the infection ascending to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis, which is a more severe kidney infection. One of the serious outcomes of pyelonephritis is preterm labor. When a mother experiences an infection, the body responds with inflammation and other immune responses that can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to preterm labor and delivery.

Preterm labor carries risks for the baby, including low birth weight and developmental issues associated with being born too early. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in pregnant women are critical to prevent these serious complications and ensure both maternal and fetal health.

While the other options listed can also pose risks during pregnancy, they are not directly related to the effects of a UTI. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placenta previa arise from different physiological changes and risk factors that do not have a causal relationship with untreated urinary infections. Thus, the most pertinent complication linked to an untreated UTI in pregnancy is preterm labor.