Etiological Factors of Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Study

Samreen Kishwar Abbasi; Shafaq Hanif; Amina Shabbir; Kiren Farooq

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i7.2625

Authors

Samreen Kishwar Abbasi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
Shafaq Hanif Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
Amina Shabbir Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
Kiren Farooq Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i7.2625

Keywords:

Anemia, Catheterization; Pregnancy, Sexual Behavior, Socioeconomic Factors, Urinary Tract Infections, Women’s Health

Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection is becoming very common in pregnant women because many physical and hormonal changes make the urinary system weak and allow germs to grow. These infections can move upward very fast and may cause serious problems like kidney infection, early labor, and low weight of the baby. Objective: To determine the frequency of etiological factors leading to urinary tract infection in pregnant women. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was done from February 2025 to May 2025 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad. Methodology: A total of 170 pregnant women between 15 and 40 years were included. Data were collected about age, education, income, parity, trimester, sexual activity, and history of urinary problems. Urinary tract infection was confirmed by white cell count and culture report. Results: The mean age of women was 30.85 years. The most common etiological factor was maternal anemia seen in 27.60% of women. Frequent sexual activity was present in 25.30% cases. Low family income was found in 18.80% women. History of urinary infection was seen in 18.20% women. History of catheter use was recorded in 16.50% women. First trimester pregnancy was found in 16.50%. Multiparity was observed in 12.90%, young maternal age in 8.80%, and illiteracy in 10.60%. Conclusion: This study showed that maternal anemia is the main etiological factor for urinary tract infection in pregnant women.

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