Learn about urine during pregnancy and the risks involved

Pregnancy urine can tell you a lot about your health. On the other hand, around this time is also when the risk of developing kidney stones increases.

Changes in the urine can be both a sign of pregnancy and a sign of problems in pregnancy. In addition, pregnant mothers also have a high risk of kidney stones due to elevated levels of the hormone estrogen. However, if you know how to avoid it, you don't need to worry too much about this problem. 

1. How does urine change manifest?

Many women will find out that they are pregnant when using home pregnancy tests through urine. About 12-14 days after conception, a urine pregnancy test checks the concentration of human chorionic hormone gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy and formed in the placenta, which is responsible for nurturing a fertilized egg after implantation into the uterus wall. The hCG level rises rapidly and peaks in the first trimester, then gradually declines.

According to the American Pregnancy Association , an hCG level above 5 mIU / ml usually results in a negative pregnancy, and an hCG level above 25 mIU / ml will be positive. The results between these numbers sometimes need to be checked again. Also, since hCG levels can vary widely, you'll need an ultrasound to confirm you're pregnant.

Low hCG levels may indicate problems during pregnancy such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In addition, hCG levels also signal troubled pregnancy or egg pregnancy , multiple pregnancy. After a miscarriage, it takes about 4-6 weeks for hCG levels to return to normal.

Doctors recommend a pregnancy test in the morning immediately after waking up because this is the time when urine is most concentrated.

2. How does the urine change during pregnancy?

Pregnancy urine changes quite a bit. Some people may find themselves using the toilet more before paying attention to missed periods and thinking about a pregnancy test. This happens because the body begins to produce the hormone hCG after the embryo successfully latches onto the uterus, and this hormone can cause the mother to urinate frequently.

During pregnancy, blood flow increases and about 25% of that blood is directed to the kidneys, causing the organ to work harder. The color and smell of your pregnancy urine can tell you a lot about your health. If your urine is dark and thick, this will be a sign that you are dehydrated. Pregnant women need to drink more water than usual and look at the urine, you can see if you are drinking enough or not. Severe morning sickness can cause vomiting or dehydration.

During pregnancy, pregnancy hormones can alter the smell of the urine. The strong scent of urine can sometimes signal a urinary tract infection. On the other hand, you will also be more aware of the changes in smell in your urine because during this time the senses of the pregnant mother will become much more sensitive.

If you notice pink, red, or brown blood in your urine or urine at any time during pregnancy, see your doctor for a checkup. Some pregnant women may bleed slightly early in pregnancy, but this is not a sign of danger. 

During your third trimester, you may have a need to urinate often, but don't worry too much. The growing fetus puts pressure on your bladder causing you to want to go to the bathroom more. Occasionally, you may also leak urine from coughing or sneezing.

3. Pregnancy and the risk of urinary tract infections

Pregnant women have a high risk of urinary tract infections . Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the bladder, ureter, or kidneys. Women who have a history of urinary tract infections, diabetes, have had children in the past or are overweight are also at increased risk.

When you have a urinary tract infection, you should treat it with care as it can seriously affect the health of mother and baby, even leading to the risk of preterm birth. To accurately diagnose the disease, your doctor may perform urine analysis to detect bacteria. Urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics. If the condition is severe, you will need an intravenous injection.

You can prevent a urinary tract infection or speed up recovery by drinking plenty of fluids, urinating before and after sex, and keeping the vaginal area clean. Should wear cotton underwear, avoid tight pants, soak in water for too long.

4. Pregnancy and group B streptococcal infection

Sometimes a urinary tract infection can be caused by an infection of a pregnant mother with group B streptococci, a type of bacteria that normally lives in the gut or genital tract. Although group B strep is less likely to cause infection in adults, it can spread to an unborn baby during labor and cause group B streptococcal disease in infants. Group B streptococcus is sometimes onset early in an infant with symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and difficulty feeding within a week of birth. In addition, the baby is also likely to have a late onset of illness a few weeks or months after birth.

Pregnant women need a group B streptococcal test in late pregnancy, usually between weeks 35 and 37. If the result is positive, the doctor will take penicillin during labor to prevent early onset of infection. in babies.

5. The importance of urine test during pregnancy

Your doctor will perform urine analysis at first and periodically during pregnancy to monitor or detect bladder infection, kidney infection, dehydration or diabetes. A high protein concentration in the urine can indicate a serious urinary tract infection or kidney disease and detect pre-eclampsia to provide timely support.