Pyelonephritis in pregnancy.

Pyelonephritis, while rare in nonpregnant women, is the leading cause of hospitalization for nonobstetric indications in pregnant women. Pregnancy complications such as preterm labor and intrauterine growth retardation have been associated with pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can also lead to life-threatening conditions such as endotoxic shock and respiratory insufficiency. Thus the condition requires hospitalization and close follow-up in the pregnant women.