Can untreated UTIs cause miscarriage?
Untreated UTIs during pregnancy increase the risk of serious complications, including kidney infection, preterm birth, and in rare cases, miscarriage.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Untreated urinary tract infections can progress to pyelonephritis, which is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, especially in early pregnancy. Prompt treatment of asymptomatic and symptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy reduces this risk. NHS: UTI risks in pregnancy.
Clinical Context
Clinics recommend screening and prompt antibiotic treatment of all UTIs in pregnancy to prevent complications such as miscarriage or preterm labour.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NHS and NICE stress the importance of treating asymptomatic and symptomatic UTIs to reduce pregnancy complications.