Introduction: Preterm labor is a significant cause of neonatalmorbidity and mortality. Urinary tract infections and Genital infections are related with increased incidence of preterm labor. This prospective case–control study was performedto see the association between preterm labor andurinary tract infections.

Patients and Methods: A case control study was undertaken in a tertiary care centre. The study compriseof 162 subjects, which were further divided into cases and control with a ratio of 1:2. Cases n=54 and control group was n=108. All subjects were evaluated by detailed history , examination and following laboratory tests were done. Complete blood count (CBC), Urine Routine – Albumin, Sugar, Microscopy, Urine culture and sensitivity. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 20.0 Armonk, NY, USA.

Results: In our study mean age of Patientsin cases was 23.29±2.96years and control was 23.98±3.59years. Urine culture was positive in 24.07% (n=13) in case group and 7.4% (n=8) in control group.The difference was statistically significant (pvalue- 0.0031). E.coli was the most common organism in urine culture among both the groups. Most of organisms were sensitive for Gentamycin, Cotrimazole, Imipenem and Piperacilin in both groups.

Conclusion: The present study shows significant association between Urinary tract infections and preterm labor. Urinary tract infections was 3.2 times more in preterm labor compared to term labor patients. Identification and treatment of Urinary tract infections at the earliest can prevent preterm labor and maternal morbidity.

Keywords: Preterm Labour; Urinary Tract Infections.