This condition is known as recurrent cystitis . Studies have shown that nearly 20 percent of women who have one UTI will have another, and 30 percent of those women will have yet another. Usually the recurrent infection stems from a strain or type of bacteria different from the original UTI, which suggests a separate infection. Research indicates that one factor involved in recurrent UTIs may be the ability of the bacteria to adhere to cells lining the urinary tract. Additional studies have shown that women with specific blood types are more prone to UTIs.
Pregnant women are no more likely to develop a UTI than other women.
However, if a UTI occurs it is much more likely to travel to the kidney and cause pyelonephritis. These changes make it easier for bacteria to ascend the urinary tract and travel to the kidneys. For this reason many physicians recommend periodic testing of pregnant women's urine. Join a live chat or threaded forum. For more women's health news, click here .