A 2018 study by microbiologists who studied 210 pregnant women attending Nairobi’s Pumwani Maternity Hospital identified some predisposing factors for UTIs. In Kenya, the prevalence of UTIs in pregnant women is estimated to be at 15.7 per cent; which is actually within the 13 per cent – 33 per cent estimated global prevalence. Sexual partners play a roleEven though UTIs are not generally considered as sexually transmissible, the findings from the Pumwani study showed that besides poor hygiene, the male sexual partners were a factor in the spread of UTIs. They found multiple sexual partners and frequency (more than two times a week) of sexual intercourse to be associated with UTIs. Pregnant women are advised to seek medical attention whenever they show signs of UTIs.

Source: Standard Digital February 21, 2021 22:52 UTC