You may notice several changes in your body during pregnancy. The change in bodily functions is attributed to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. You may also notice changes in urine colour during pregnancy. Urine colour changes are not always normal during pregnancy, and they can be a sign of a complication. It is important to consult your doctor when you notice urine changes during pregnancy. Read on to learn more about the reasons for colour changes in urine, complications and treatments for the same.
The normal urine colour during pregnancy ranges from pale yellow to brown. The colour of the urine mainly depends on the quantity of water you drink. When you are pregnant, urine colour changes mainly due to hormonal changes. Changes in urine colour can also be attributed to water and food intake. When you are dehydrated during pregnancy, the colour becomes darker. The colour changes of urine during pregnancy are normal unless you notice unusual symptoms.
The potential reasons for colour changes in urine are:
● Dehydration: Pregnant women need more water to support the baby’s growth. So, dehydration may be a primary reason for urine colour change during pregnancy.
● Urinary bladder infections: When you suffer from a urinary bladder infection, your urine colour changes.
● Urinary Tract Infections: UTI can be the reason for pregnancy urine colour changes, which occur along with discomfort.
● Change in food habits: The intake of nutrient-rich foods during pregnancy can impact the colour of urine.
● Intake of medications and supplements during pregnancy: You may notice bright yellow urine when you take supplements and other medications.
● Presence of blood in urine: Blood in the urine can change its colour.
● Presence of stone in the kidney: When you suffer from kidney stones, the urine colour changes.
● Other diseases or pregnancy complications: When you suffer from other diseases or pregnancy complications, you may notice a change in urine colour.
Hydration and urine colour are closely associated with pregnant women. It is said that hydration significantly impacts urine colour during pregnancy. When your urine is a pale yellow colour, it means you are properly hydrated and drinking enough fluids. But when the urine colour changes to dark, it means you are dehydrated, and your body needs more fluids.
When pregnant, the body tries to manage dehydration by concentrating urine to conserve fluids. The urine colour changes to dark yellow or amber, a key indication that you must increase your fluid intake.
Your urine colour changes in early pregnancy. You may notice your urine changes throughout the day during pregnancy. In the morning, the urine is more concentrated, making it look dark. It may look like honey or amber. These are completely normal urine colour changes of early pregnancy. During the day, as your fluid intake increases, the colour of the urine becomes lighter. A pale yellow colour is a clear sign of ideal hydration.
_11zon.jpg)
Temporary colour changes in your urine are normal. The following are the reasons for a temporary change in urine colour:
When you consume beetroots or carrots during pregnancy, it can change your urine colour.
Increased caffeine intake can change urine colour.
Involvement in strenuous activities can change your urine colour.
Weather conditions may also impact your urine colour.
The above reasons are attributed to urine colour changes, which are completely normal.
How Do Prenatal Vitamins and Medications Affect Urine Colour Changes During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the intake of prenatal and other medications can impact urine colour. Prenatal vitamins can change the colour of your urine to bright yellow, which is completely normal during pregnancy. Iron supplements can make your urine look dark.
Urine health during pregnancy plays a significant role in your health. The urine colour changes can be a sign of an emergency condition in your pregnancy.
Dehydration: When the urine colour darkens, it is a sign of dehydration.
Pain during Urination: When you experience pain during urination, you may need immediate medical intervention.
Blood in Urine: When you notice blood in your urine, then it can be a sign of a serious condition. Visit the hospital immediately to diagnose the condition.
Your urine colour during pregnancy can be an indicator of your health. A urine test can help reveal problems in kidney function, hydration levels, etc., and help you detect your health condition at an early stage. Timely medical treatment can help avoid serious complications during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, you are at a high risk of UTI due to various reasons. The change in your body during pregnancy can lead to decreased urine concentration, decreased urine flow and increased bladder volume. This may result in UTIs in pregnant women. Drinking sufficient fluids during pregnancy can help prevent UTIs. Other ways to prevent UTIs are:
● Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice
● Keeping the genital area clean and dry
● Avoid the use of toiletries with strong odours.
Urine colour changes during pregnancy are completely normal. The colour of the urine during pregnancy varies from one person to another. Dehydration and hormonal changes are the primary reasons for colour changes in urine. Urine colour changes are not always a sign of an issue. When you notice abnormal colour changes in urine along with strong odour and pain, it can be a sign of an emergency condition. Consult your doctor for the right medical treatment to treat the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications in pregnancy.
