Treat UTIs in pregnancy to prevent which complication?

• A. Pyelonephritis.
• B. Tinnitus.
• C. Hyperkalemia.
• D. Appendicitis.

Answer: (A)

Treating urinary infections in pregnancy is mainly about preventing the infection from climbing up to the kidneys. When bacteria ascend from the bladder, they can cause acute pyelonephritis, a kidney infection that’s more dangerous in pregnancy. Pyelonephritis can lead to fever, hospitalization, and serious maternal complications, and it’s associated with adverse fetal outcomes such as preterm delivery and restricted fetal growth. By addressing the infection early, we cut the risk of this progression and protect both mother and baby.

The other options don’t describe this pregnancy-specific risk. Tinnitus is unrelated to a bladder infection, hyperkalemia is an electrolyte issue not typically caused by UTIs in pregnancy, and appendicitis is a separate abdominal condition.