P39: Other infections specific to the perinatal period

P39.3: Neonatal urinary tract infection

The urinary passages include the ureters, bladder and urethra. Urine flows from both kidneys into the bladder via the ureters. The urethra channels the urine outward from the bladder.

An inflamed urinary tract can affect the baby’s urethra and bladder. This type of inflammation may be caused by bacteria. When the urinary tract becomes inflamed immediately after the birth, fever may occur. The baby may have a sucking weakness or not grow properly.

If the inflammation spreads through the ureter to the kidneys, the kidneys can become inflamed. This can cause serious illness.