Why urine test whilst pregnant

We understand it may be messy or uncomfortable, but we consider it a vital part of your exam. By providing a urine sample we can screen for many things including infection, liver disease, kidney problems, even bladder cancer. Considering Sterilization or Tubal Ligation?

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Your body is changing at a fast pace and you might be asking yourself - just how much weight during my pregnancy should I expect? Bacteria : Bacteria in your urine is a sign of a urinary tract infection. Your healthcare provider may retrieve a second urine sample collected through a catheter before determining the type of antibiotics needed. Collecting A Urine Sample Your midwife or another healthcare professional should give you a container and explain how you should collect the urine sample.

You can collect a urine sample at any time of day, unless your midwife GP advises you otherwise. The types of urine sample you might be asked for include a random specimen, first morning specimen or timed collection. Collect a sample of urine "mid-stream" see below in a sterile screw-top container screw the lid of the container shut, wash your hands thoroughly. This reduces the risk of the sample being contaminated with bacteria from: Your hands The skin around the urethra tube that carries urine out of the body What Is A First Stream Urine Sample?

A first stream sample means that you collect the first part of the urine that comes out. We routine ask clients to do a first stream urine sample to screen for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea during pregnancy.

Put the container of urine in a sealed plastic bag first. The presence of bacteria in urine is a clear sign of a UTI. However, a symptomless infection can still spread to the kidneys and cause significant problems for you or your baby. Treated quickly and properly, UTIs rarely lead to further complications. But left untreated, they can damage your kidneys and elevate your risk of having a low birthweight or premature baby.

A urine test strip does not detect bacteria, but it can detect an enzyme that is a sign of a urinary tract infection. A test strip can also detect nitrites in the urine, which are secreted by some bacteria. If this test is positive, practitioners usually recommend following up with a urine culture to confirm the presence of bacteria and which antibiotics will work best. Several types of antibiotics are considered safe for pregnant women, but be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any antibiotics.

In fact, doctors usually order a urine culture at the beginning of a pregnancy so that they can identify and treat any symptomless bacterial infections that could cause complications later on. When fat is broken down for energy instead of carbohydrates, the results are acidic byproducts known as ketones. If you have diabetes, large quantities of ketones in urine may indicate a harmful condition called ketoacidosis, which can lead to diabetic coma.

If exceptionally high levels of ketones are found in your urine, your doctor will investigate whether your eating or drinking habits are to blame. If severe nausea and vomiting affect your ability to keep food or fluids down, you may need to receive nutrients through an intravenous line. Treatment for ketoacidosis, which can be an acute condition, usually takes place in a hospital.

Protein, sugar, bacteria, or ketones in your urine can spell trouble for you and your baby, but prompt testing and proper treatment can help prevent any problems. That said, the vast majority of pregnant women can breathe easy: Most urine test results reveal that all is well. American Pregnancy Association. Urine Test: Urinalysis. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Urine Protein. Nemours Foundation. Urine Tests. University of Texas-Houston Medical School. Clean Catch Midstream Urine.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. New York-Presbyterian. National Kidney Foundation. Preeclampsia Foundation.