North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

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Which of the following conditions is most likely to be a complication of untreated UTI in pregnancy?

Placental abruption
Preterm labor
Gestational diabetes
Maternal hypertension

The correct answer is: Preterm labor

During pregnancy, if a urinary tract infection (UTI) is left untreated, it can lead to several complications, with preterm labor being one of the most significant risks. This is primarily due to the inflammatory response triggered by the infection, which can irritate the uterus and stimulate contractions. When a UTI occurs, especially if it progresses to a more severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis), it can result in systemic inflammation and contribute to the release of cytokines that may trigger preterm labor. The physiological changes in pregnancy, including the increased susceptibility to infections and the pressure on the bladder, make prompt diagnosis and treatment of UTIs crucial in preventing adverse outcomes. In contrast, while conditions like placental abruption, gestational diabetes, and maternal hypertension can occur during pregnancy, they are not directly linked as complications of untreated UTIs to the same extent as preterm labor. Therefore, recognizing the connection between untreated UTIs and the risk of preterm labor is essential for managing pregnant individuals effectively.