Q: What should I do if I have Bacteriuria during pregnancy?

A: Up to one in 10 women has asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. If untreated, about one-third of these will develop symptomatic infection of the bladder or kidney. These infections can lead to complications such as premature labor and delivery. Pregnant women should therefore be routinely screened for bacteria in the urine, because treatment with antibiotics is beneficial in reducing the development of symptomatic infection and its complications.