Forming part of routine examination, urine tests are an integral part of prenatal tests. By testing your urine, one can obtain different kinds of information like the presence of infections in your kidneys and bladder, sugar level in your blood and other parameters that are necessary to ensure that well-being of you and your child.

Urine tests (Urinalysis) are usually conducted from the initial stages of your pregnancy. Your doctor may go for a urine analysis whenever you visit him or her for your routine prenatal check-up. The urine tests are carried out by dipping some strips that have been prepared chemically into a sample of your urine which you have collected in a plastic cup provided by the laboratory. In-depth analysis is conducted at the laboratory.

Urine tests are carried out to check-out for the following:

Sugar: The presence of a high-level of sugar in your urine might suggest that you are suffering from gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually occurs during the 20th week of your pregnancy. This particularly happens if you are eating food which is high in sugar content or are eating a very large meal.  A test for gestational diabetes should be carried out in the following cases:

  • You feel thirsty
  • You feel lethargic
  • You experience a loss in weight
  • Consistent glucose levels are detected in your blood

Protein: The presence of proteins in the urine indicates that there is some infection in the kidneys. It might be a sign of preeclampsia. A test for preeclampsia will be carried out under the following circumstances:

  • There is swelling in your hands and face.
  • High level of glucose is detected in your blood consistently
  • You have a high blood pressure

Ketones: Presence of ketones indicates that the body is breaking down fats instead of carbohydrates in order to release energy. If the level of ketones is found to be high in your urine, it means that either you are suffering from dehydration or are not eating properly.

Bacteria: The presence of bacteria in the urine indicates infection in your urinary tract. Based on tests results, your doctor may prescribe the relevant antibiotics to cure the infection.

Monitoring your urine is extremely important to keep a close tab on your health. Infections and other possible pregnancy problems can be easily detected and appropriate medication can be administered to ensure your good health.

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