Pregnancy Urine Color Chart

Pregnancy and Urine Color

Pregnancy is a joyful journey, yet it comes with lots of concerns and changes in your body. One such change is the color of your urine. Understanding the new changes happening in your body will help the new mums experience their pregnancy journey more happily and comfortably.

In this blog, let’s explore the reasons for changes in your urine color, when to be concerned, preventive measures and so on. We will also help you with suggesting what is normal and when to seek medical help regarding urine color. In addition, we will also educate you with a pregnancy urine color chart. So, keep scrolling down.

What Are the Changes in Early Pregnancy Urine Color?

Changes in early pregnancy urine color may differ throughout a day depending on various factors such as:

In the mornings

• The color of the morning urine is darker and has a stronger smell, as it is more concentrated.
• It seems to look more amber or honey-colored.
• It is a usual physiological occurrence, which indicates mild dehydration.

Later in the day

• As you hydrate yourself throughout the day, the color of the urine tends to lighten.

Other reasons why your urine color changes during pregnancy

• Intake of certain foods such as beetroots and carrots.
• Prenatal vitamins and supplements.
• Certain medical conditions affect the kidneys and liver.
• Performing dehydrating activities such as workouts, sweating, and caffeine intake.
• Both hot and humid weather conditions can cause dehydration in a pregnant woman’s body, causing changes in urine color.

Maintaining proper hydration and monitoring early pregnancy urine color can help ensure a healthy pregnancy. If you notice unusual changes, consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Urine Color Chart

During early pregnancy, it is quite natural to find changes in your urine color. Changes are caused by various factors that may include hormonal shifts, dietary changes, medications, and so on.

The urine colour during pregnancy simply means that your body is getting ready to accommodate your growing child. Every change that your body experiences throughout the pregnancy is completely unique and this may vary from woman to woman.

Given below are some of the most common reasons for changes in an expectant mum’s urine color.

How does Pregnancy Change Urine Color?

The rise in pregnancy hormones like progesterone and hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) impacts the color of the urine during early pregnancy. These hormones play a crucial role in nurturing the growth of the fetus in your body. hCG hormone is typically developed by the placenta. When a home pregnancy test is performed, the presence of hCG in urine confirms the pregnancy.

The development of progesterone and hCG hormones in the body influences the functioning of the kidneys. This can cause to produce more urine. In addition, they also cause the feeling of fullness in the bladder as the uterus expands when your baby grows. Hence, the color of the urine in early pregnancy appears to be more concentrated and darkened.

Nausea and vomiting are a natural part of pregnancy, specifically in the first trimester. In general, this is referred to as morning sickness. Some women tend to experience severe vomiting, which can lead to a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The condition can contribute to the development of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss. This results in the urine causing strong odour and dark yellow urine in pregnancy.

During the second trimester, the urine color might get lightened or clear as your kidneys function more efficiently at filtering waste. However, the color of your urine tends to change throughout your pregnancy period for various factors.

In the third trimester, the urine color often gets darker. This is because your body contains more blood at this phase – yours and your growing baby’s. Hence, your kidneys cannot function that efficiently to filter all the waste products. This leads the urine to be more concentrated and darker in color.

Moreover, because of the pregnancy bump, the pressure put on the surrounding tissues such as ligaments, bladder, and pelvic floor muscles can cause incontinence. The issue can persist even after childbirth as the pelvic muscles remain weakened from the labour and delivery.

What is a Normal Urine Colour during Pregnancy?

Knowing the color of the normal urine during early pregnancy can help expectant parents to be more cautious in recognizing the abnormalities, if any. Listed below are some of the instances you shouldn’t be concerned about:

• Pale yellow or clear urine color indicates your body is well hydrated.
• Darker colors indicate your body is slightly dehydrated and needs to drink more water or liquids.
• Rose, green, or blue color may indicate the consumption of certain foods such as fava beans, blackberries, carrots, and beets. Some medications may also influence the change in urine colors.

When Should You Be Concerned about Urine Color?

Listed below are some of the instances you should be concerned about:

• Light orange color may indicate the sign of a severe urinary tract infection (UTI).
• Dark orange, brown or black color may indicate the sign of liver or kidney conditions.
• Brown urine during pregnancy may indicate signs of infection.
• Cloudy or opaque appearance may indicate signs of STI (sexually transmitted infections), UTI (urinary tract infection), or other medical disorders.

If you notice any of the above-mentioned colors, we recommend you visit a reputed gynaecologist as soon as possible.

When to Consult a Doctor?

While the change in pregnancy urine color is a natural part, certain scenarios need immediate medical help. Such scenarios may include:

Symptoms that need immediate medical help:

• Presence of blood in urine
• Green-ish tints
• Intense dark or brown urine, even though hydrated
• Excessive cloudiness

Additional symptoms that need medical help:

• Sense of urinating frequently with pain
• Sense of burning during urination
• Changes in urine color with high body temperature (fever)
• Strong and unusual odour
• Severe cramping
• Lower back pain

Do Supplements Impact Changes in Urine Color?

Supplements and medications have the potential to influence the color of your urine in early pregnancy.

Supplements and Vitamins

Generally, pregnant women must consume supplements and vitamins for the health of both the mother and the baby. Vitamins, supplements, and medications can all influence the color of the urine. For instance, certain B vitamins can cause the urine to be brighter yellow or greenish. Iron supplements can cause them to appear reddish-brown. The change in urine color because of the supplements and medication is generally safe and harmless.

In addition, it is significant to understand that the color of early signs of pregnancy urine may vary from person to person. However, if the change in urine color concerns you, it is highly recommended to consult with your physician.

What are the Preventive Measures to Avoid the Risk of UTIs?

It is crucial to take necessary preventive measures to avoid the risk of urinary infections as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. This is because the probability of getting UTIs during pregnancy is quite high. This can result in harming the health of both the mother and the growing baby.

Some tips to avoid the risk of UTIs may include:

• Drink plenty of water and liquids to stay hydrated.
• Consider eating nutrient-rich foods.
• Never miss taking vitamins, supplements, and medications prescribed by your physician.
• Take plenty of rest. Never strain yourself.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Urinate as soon as you have the sense.
• Wear comfortable and breathable inners.

Always remember that pregnancy is a wonderful journey. Never forget to encourage yourself during this period. When it comes to concerns regarding your pregnancy, never hesitate to ask your physician.