Urine Color during Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting journey. But it comes with a lot of emotional, physical and mental changes for a woman. And one of the many changes a woman experiences is the change in her urine color during pregnancy.
Although it is pretty common to have a change in urine color during pregnancy, it might still be a concern for some.
A lot of women ask: “What color is your pee when you’re pregnant?” So in this article, let’s briefly discuss the color of a pregnant woman’s urine and the reason behind it.
What color is your pee when you’re pregnant?
Typically, urine is pale yellow to deep amber in color. But there can be changes in the urine color during pregnancy, including clear, dark yellow, red and brown.
Let us discuss the various urine colors during pregnancy and the reason for the change in color below.
Clear
Clear urine could most probably be a sign of drinking too much water. Sometimes, clear urine can also indicate diabetes mellitus or some kind of kidney issue.
It is important to consult with a gynecologist if your pee is clear without any color.
Pale yellow
Pale yellow is the ideal color of pee when pregnant. It is a sign that you are drinking enough water and that your body is well hydrated.
Yellow
Urine that is a little yellowish in color is pretty common during pregnancy. The causes of yellow urine in pregnancy can be hormonal changes and the intake of medicine.
It is normal for urine to be a little yellow during pregnancy. Sometimes, it can also mean slight dehydration.
Dark yellow
Early pregnancy urine color is a shade of dark yellow most of the time. Apart from that, urine that is a darker shade of yellow could mean dehydration.
Sometimes, the cause of the urine being a darker shade of yellow can also be due to certain medications and foods that you consume.
It is important to be well hydrated and check with your gynecologist if the medicine you take can cause the urine to be dark yellow in color.
Light orange
A light orange color of urine when pregnant could mean dehydration or a urinary tract infection.
Other symptoms of UTI include an increase in the urine frequency and an irritation or burning sensation while peeing.
Ensure to consult with a gynecologist and get yourself checked.
Dark orange/ Brown
Brown or dark orange urine color can indicate severe dehydration. It could also indicate a potential liver or kidney disease that requires attention.
In some cases, brown urine can also be a result of eating high amounts of beetroots or certain medications.
Consult with your gynecologist immediately if your urine color is brown.
Brown/ Black
Dark brown or black urine during pregnancy can mean severe dehydration.
It can also be due to an underlying, which requires immediate medical help.
If your urine is close to brown or black, it may indicate liver or kidney problems.
In some cases, black or dark brown-colored urine can also be due to Rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that is caused by muscle tissue detail, or Alkaptonuria, which is yet another serious condition that is a inherited cognition stopping the body from breaking down the amino acids, resulting in dark brown or black-colored urine.
Red/Pink
Red or pink-colored urine or urine with blood during pregnancy could be a sign of eating too much beetroot or blackberries.
In some cases, it can also be due to a UTI, kidney disease, kidney stones, or prostate infections.
Cloud/Opaque
Cloudy or opaque urine during pregnancy can be a sign of dehydration due to morning sickness.
It can also be a sign of infection, UTI (urinary tract infection) or preeclampsia, which is a serious blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.
Sometimes, vaginal discharge mixed with urine can result in opaque or cloudy urine during pregnancy.
Reasons for the changes in urine during early pregnancy
The changes in urine during early pregnancy can be due to a lot of factors, including hormonal changes and an increase in the blood flow to the kidneys.
Hormonal changes can impact the kidney’s functioning, which can result in darker or more concentrated urine during pregnancy.
Since the uterus is constantly expanding to accommodate the baby, there is excess pressure on the bladder, which can contribute to changes in the frequency of urination.
When should I take a urine test during pregnancy?
Although it is normal for urine color to change during pregnancy, it is important to consult with a doctor if the color of the urine is anything other than pale to dark yellow.
Any other color of urine, including red, brown, black, or orange, can be due to underlying health issues. It is important to visit your healthcare provider.
They might suggest a urine test followed by other tests to rule out the issue.
Conclusion
The changes in urine color during pregnancy are pretty common for most women, and you don’t have to worry much about them.
But if the urine is accompanied by blood stains, or if the color of the urine is anything other than pale yellow or a darker shade of yellow, it is important to consult with your gynecologist and seek medical help.
Ensure to stay hydrated and drink a minimum of 10 glasses of water a day.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi scans at 7338771733.
Chennai women’s clinic and scan centre is now Jammi Scans
FAQ
1. What color is unhealthy urine?
Healthcare experts say that any color of urine other than the shades of yellow requires medical care. Ensure to contact your healthcare provider ASAP.
2. Which urine color is abnormal?
The ideal color of urine is pale yellow to yellow. Abnormal colors include orange, dark orange, brown, black, and red.
3. What color urine indicates kidney problems?
Dark orange to darker shades of brown might indicate kidney problems. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if your urine is any other color than shades of yellow.
4. What color is diabetic urine?
Healthcare experts say that since diabetic patients tend to pee more than usual, the color of their urine can range from clear to lighter shades of yellow.
5. Are my kidneys ok if my urine is clear?
Clear or colorless urine means that you are overly hydrated. It doesn’t usually indicate any underlying medical issues. But if you are too doubtful, ensure to visit your healthcare provider immediately.
