Which of the following is a pregnancy-induced risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

During pregnancy, several physiological changes occur that can impact the urinary system and make women more susceptible to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). One of these changes is an increase in bladder volume, due to hormonal influences and the expanding uterus. The increased bladder volume leads to the ability to store more urine, which can allow for longer intervals between urination.

However, during pregnancy, the pressure from the growing uterus can alter normal bladder function and lead to incomplete bladder emptying. In combination with increased bladder volume, this can create an environment that is more conducive to bacterial growth, raising the risk for UTIs.

Increased urine concentration, decreased bladder volume, and increased urinary pH could also theoretically affect the risk of UTIs, but the key factor here is the increase in bladder volume. This increase can lead to urinary stasis and potential bacterial colonization, contributing to recurrent infections during pregnancy. Thus, recognizing the significance of increased bladder volume helps in understanding the unique factors that influence UTI risk in pregnant individuals.