Why Is There a Change in Urine Colour in Pregnancy?

Key Takeaway:

• During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes that can lead to pregnancy symptoms impacting cardiovascular health, respiratory function, gastrointestinal function, urinary function, and other bodily systems. 
• Some of the main causes of urine colour change during pregnancy include dehydration, hormonal fluctuation, UTI, dietary changes, and more.
• Pale yellow urine is often considered normal or well hydrated.
• Bright, dark, and light orange can mean mild to severe dehydration.
• Various urine tests are done during pregnancy, involving urinalysis, urine culture, protein test, glucose test, ketone test, and more.

Introduction

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with joy and transformation. During pregnancy, the body goes through a whirlwind of changes, physically and emotionally, as it prepares for childbirth. These changes are all part of the incredible experience and are all normal parts of pregnancy. Some of the most common pregnancy symptoms include hormonal changes, increased heart rate, weight gain (diet chart for weight gain), fluid retention, breast changes, and more. Plus, pregnant women also experience changes in urine colour. The change in urine is associated with various factors, including diet (balanced diet), hydration levels, supplements, and more. Also, a change in urine colour during pregnancy may indicate an underlying issue. The colour change can range from dark yellow to light yellow and also brighter shades of yellow.

Causes of Urine Colour Changes in Pregnancy

In the normal course of life, a change in urine colour may indicate dehydration or be a sign of an underlying medical issue. However, during pregnancy, a change in urine colour is often considered normal, given that the body goes through hormonal changes, changes in diet and medication, which may lead to a change in colour. But, in case of sudden urine colour change or any other significant changes in colour, it may also signal a medical issue and may require consulting a specialist. 

Dehydration: The most common factor that results in changes in urine colour is dehydration (dehydration despite enough water, can adding salt help?). During pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, the body requires more fluid and a lack of fluid during this phase may lead to dehydration. This may cause the urine to look darker. The key here is to maintain adequate hydration.

Hormonal Changes: Once pregnancy begins, the body starts to produce the hormone hCG (the hormone that pregnancy tests detect). Hormone hCG, along with other hormonal shifts, can affect how kidney filters waste, leading to changes in colour, smell, and appearance of urine.

Vitamins and Medications: Prenatal vitamins and medications, especially vitamin B, iron, and more, can also turn the urine bright yellow or slightly orange. Also, medications like antibiotics can influence the urine colour.

UTI: Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy. If the urine is cloudy, smells strong, and there’s a burning sensation while passing urine, it might be a UTI. The urine may appear pink or slightly red. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to treat a UTI during pregnancy with safe antibiotics. 

Dietary Changes: Changes in the diet are common during pregnancy, especially when there are beets, carrots, or asparagus in the diet;  the urine colour may temporarily change. However, this change is completely normal and harmless.

Other potential causes of changes in urine colour during pregnancy may include liver or kidney conditions, kidney stones, preeclampsia, and more.

Pregnancy Urine Colour Chart

During pregnancy, it is normal to experience changes in the colour and appearance. The development of progesterone and hCG hormones in the body during pregnancy influences the functioning of the kidneys, resulting in a changed colour. A normal urine colour during pregnancy is pale yellow or clear urine.

Urine Colour	What it Means
Clear Urine	Overhydrates; drink less water.
Pale Yellow Urine	Well-hydrated – normal & healthy.
Bright/Neon Yellow	Mild dehydration.
Dark Yellow	Dehydration due to concentrated urine.
Light Orange/Amber	Severe dehydration.
Cloudy or Milky	Possible UTI or presence of protein.
Pink or Reddish	Possible presence of blood in urine.
Brown or Cola Colored	Possible liver issue or dehydration.
Foamy or Bubbly Urine	Protein or a sign of proteinuria.

 

Urine Tests that Can be Taken During Pregnancy

Pregnancy test during pregnancy is a routine part of prenatal care and can be recommended by the doctor to monitor health and early signs of potential complications like UTI, kidney infections, and more. Some of the urine tests advised during pregnancy include:

Pregnancy Test: This is the first test that helps detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin, the hormone produced during pregnancy. 

Urinalysis: A general urine test performed to check for colour, clarity, smell, pH, etc. in the urine. This helps detect early signs of infections, dehydration, and kidney issues (kidney dialysis). 

Urine Culture: Urine culture is a test that checks for bacterial growth in the urine. Urine culture is done to diagnose UTI, even if symptoms do not persist. 

Protein Test: As the name implies, a protein test helps detect protein in the urine. The test is helpful in screening for preeclampsia. 

Glucose Test: A Glucose test is done to detect sugar in the urine. Small traces are normal in pregnancy.

Ketone Test: Ketone test during pregnancy is done to detect dehydration or uncontrolled diabetes.

Also Read: Glucose Tolerance Test – Why & When Your Doctor Recommends It

When to Visit a Doctor?

During pregnancy, the body goes through immense changes – while some are normal, others may be warning signs. When it comes to urinary changes, it is important to know when a visit to the doctor is necessary. 

Signs or Symptoms	What it Might Indicate
Red, Pink, or Brown Urine	May indicate blood in the urine caused by UTI, kidney stones, etc, and may require immediate medical attention.
Cloudy or Foul Smelling Urine	This may signal urinary tract infection (UTI). Treatment is necessary to avoid kidney infection or preterm labour.
Pain or Burning During Urination	Classic sign of abladder infection or UTI. The pain and burning sensation can worsen if not treated early.
Persistent Dark Yellow Urine	Might indicate severe dehydration, liver issues, or pregnancy complications.
Foamy or Cloudy Urine	Indicates excess protein in the urine; requires medical assistance & blood pressure check.

 

Conclusion

Pregnancy changes in urine occur frequently and are usually harmless, a consequence of normal changes in hormones, fluid intake, and diet. Some changes – such as abnormal colour, odour, or pain upon urination – may be the first sign of infection or other illness. Monitoring urine and informing the physician about anything unusual leads to early treatment, safeguards health, and aids in a healthy pregnancy process for the mother and baby alike. If unsure, always double-check – better safe and having one’s mind put at ease.

FAQs

Why does urine change colour after taking prenatal vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins, especially B vitamins, can cause the urine to appear bright yellow or neon yellow. The body flushes out excess vitamins it doesn’t need.

How can I tell if my urine colour is a sign of a more serious issue?

Abnormal colours like red, pink, brown, and more can signal serious infection or other issues.https://www.ckbhospital.com/blogs/hcg-levels-in-pregnancy