Pyelonephritis is noted as the most common medical complication of what condition?

Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney that can arise from various underlying conditions, but it is notably recognized as the most common medical complication during pregnancy. This susceptibility can be attributed to physiological changes that occur in a pregnant woman's body. Hormonal changes lead to the relaxation of the ureters and dilation of the renal pelvis, which can obstruct urine flow and facilitate the growth of bacteria. Furthermore, as the uterus enlarges, it can compress the urinary tract, predisposing pregnant women to urinary stasis and subsequent infections, including pyelonephritis.

While conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stones can also lead to kidney infections, the specific risk factors associated with pregnancy, such as altered anatomy and changes in immune response, make it particularly susceptible to pyelonephritis during this time.