What causes cloudy urine in pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a period where the sole responsibility of nourishing and providing nutrients to the fetus depends upon the mother. Hence, the mother’s health must be kept as a top priority, and she needs to be provided with a healthy diet. A pregnant woman may experience numerous physiological and biochemical changes in her body. There are many changes in the body processes of women due to the development of a fetus within her body. Frequent urination is one of the earliest signs of change in body processes due to pregnancy. It occurs due to the expansion of the uterus to incorporate the baby, which puts pressure on the urinary bladder. Women may even experience different colors and consistencies of the urine, which may not be familiar and necessarily noticed before.
There are many reasons for cloudy urine or white matter in the urine. The possible conditions may be due to dehydration, infection, or preeclampsia. The presence of cloudy urine is a common problem for pregnant women. Most of the women freak out when they see the presence of cloudiness in their urine during pregnancy. Most of the time, the underlying causes for the presence of cloudiness in the urine are common. Still, pregnant women should not take any chance and immediately report such matters to their doctor. The most likely cause of cloudy urine during pregnancy is the presence of hormones in the urine, making it cloudy. It may also be due to the mixing of vaginal discharge and the urine, which occurs during pregnancy. Improper hydration may also result in the formation of cloudy urine during pregnancy. [1,2]
Reasons for cloudy urine in pregnancy
Cloudy urine in pregnancy
Research suggests that the possible reasons for the cloudiness of urine during pregnancy are the presence of white blood cells fighting infection or the presence of blood in the urine, or it might get mixed with vaginal discharge. Apart from them, here are some causes of cloudy urine during pregnancy.
1. Hormonal changes
The major of cloudy urine during pregnancy is due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, the body undergoes various biochemical changes to support the growing fetus. Many hormones are released in excess in the blood like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which may result in cloudy urine.
2. Dehydration
During pregnancy, the female body requires excessive amounts of water to support the placenta, amniotic fluid, and the growing baby. If there is a lack of adequate water for pregnant women, it can lead to dehydration, urine would become dark and concentrated and may appear cloudy.
3. Proteinuria
Proteinuria is a condition that involves the presence of excess protein in the urine, which makes it appear cloudy. It usually occurs during the second and third trimester, where an excess protein in the urine can make it cloudy. If this condition is accompanied by high blood pressure, it might be an early indication of a condition called preeclampsia.
4. Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is very ordinary. However, if there is excessive vaginal discharge, it may result in cloudy urine. If the condition persists for a long time, it is recommended that you should seek medical advice from a nearby doctor.
5. Urinary tract infection
The prime reason for cloudy urine during pregnancy is urinary tract infections, which are common during pregnancy. If the urine appears cloudy and contains a foul odor, it may be an indication of a urinary tract infection.
See: Acupuncture For Menopause Symptoms
6. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a type of disease that is transmitted sexually that majorly affects women. If pregnant women experience any kind of pain during urinating or excessive vaginal discharge along with cloudy urine, it is an indication of gonorrhea, and immediate medical help is advised.
7. Preeclampsia
It is a condition that affects the kidney and liver and results in high blood pressure. This condition widely develops in women during the second trimester of pregnancy, and there might not be any early symptoms. It is advised that pregnant women go for regular urine check-ups as the presence of high protein in the urine and cloudy nature of the urine could be a sign of preeclampsia.
8. Kidney stones
If a pregnant woman is suffering from kidney stones, kidney stones could likely cause cloudy urine. Dehydrated pregnant women have higher chances of developing kidney stones.
Along with the cloudy nature of the urine, the urine color during pregnancy can also change for many reasons, which are given as follows:
● Pink or Red-colored urine
Pink or red-colored urine can be generally caused due to the consumption of more red-colored food. Sometimes the red color in the urine may be due to the presence of blood. In this case, it could mean a consequential health condition and requires immediate medical care.
● Dark Orange or Brown colored urine
Dark orange or brown colored urine is a sign of excess bile secretion and could be a severe liver problem.
● Blue or Green colored
Taking certain medications can make the urine appear bluish-green. However, if not on medication and the urine appears bluish-green, it is advised to get yourself examined by a nearby doctor. [3,4,5,6,7,8]
Cloudy urine treatment during pregnancy
Treatment for cloudy urine during pregnancy
1. Stay hydrated
Drinking adequate water quantities during pregnancy would help to flush out toxins from the body and lower the symptoms of cloudy urine.
2. Drink cranberry juice
Cranberry juice contains phytonutrients that help treat symptoms of urinary tract infection, kidney stones, etc. that may cause cloudy urine.
3. Limit intake of sugary and salty foods
Food containing high sugar may increase the risk of diabetes and may cause cloudy urine. Similarly, consuming high amounts of salt may increase the risk of kidney stones that may give rise to cloudy urine. Limiting and regulating the intake of both may reduce the chances of cloudy urine.
4. Take prescribed medicines only
If the presence of cloudy urine is due to urinary tract infection, it is advised to consume medications that are only prescribed by the doctor and avoid self-medication. [1]
See: Calculate Your Pregnancy By Months, Weeks and Trimester
Summary
There may be many reasons for the appearance of cloudy urine in pregnant women. Though many reasons would not be a reason for concern, it is always proper to discuss these symptoms with your doctor during prenatal visits. Consuming a healthy diet and adequate amounts of water would help prevent such symptoms. Pregnant women should avoid self-medication and consult with a nearby doctor for reassurance.
