Do you have ketones in your urine during pregnancy? (Ketones in Urine) - Let's talk about this

When you go to the doctor during pregnancy, you get a urine test, right? Sometimes the doctor may say that there are something called ' ketones ' in your urine. It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when you hear that. Many mothers think that this is a sign of a serious illness. But don't be afraid. Most of the time, this is something that can be controlled. Today, we're going to talk about this in simple terms, why ketones appear in the urine during pregnancy, whether it affects the baby, and what we should do.

Simply put, what are ketones?

Think of our body as a car. The main fuel that this car needs to run is glucose , or sugar as we know it. The body gets this glucose fuel from the carbohydrate foods we eat, such as rice, bread, and potatoes.

However, if for some reason the body cannot use glucose, which is its main fuel, the body switches to a second fuel source as an emergency. That is, fat stored in the body. So when the body burns fat for energy, the chemicals that are produced as a byproduct are what we call ketones. These ketones are excreted in the urine through the kidneys. This condition of having ketones in the urine is medically called ketonuria .

What are the main causes of ketones during pregnancy?

There are several reasons why ketones may appear in the urine during pregnancy. Some of them are normal, while others should be of concern.

1. Gestational Diabetes

This is the main reason for the formation of ketones and the one we pay the most attention to.

So, since the body's cells don't have glucose, they start burning fat for energy. That's when ketones are formed and excreted in the urine. Having ketones in your urine is a sign that your blood sugar levels may be out of control.

2. Can people without diabetes have ketones?

Yes, it definitely is. Diabetes is not the only cause. Ketones can also be seen in the urine due to the following reasons.

Is having ketones harmful to the baby?

This is the biggest fear for many mothers. In fact, ketones pass through the placenta to the baby. So , if ketones are present in the body at a high level , it is believed that it can have an impact on the baby's brain development.

However, the important thing to understand here is that occasionally having trace amounts in your urine, and no other symptoms, is usually not a cause for concern. Most of the time, it happens after you eat at night and wait until morning. However, your doctor will monitor this and give you the necessary advice.

What are the symptoms that can tell if you have ketones?

Most of the time, you may not have any symptoms even if you have ketones in your urine. That's why clinics often test your urine. However, sometimes ketones can be seen with things like:

• Increased blood sugar levels.
• Feeling extremely thirsty, no matter how much water you drink.
• Feeling extremely tired and exhausted.
• Frequent vaginal or urinary tract infections.

A condition that requires urgent attention – DKA

If you have diabetes or gestational diabetes, you need to be aware of a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) . This occurs when blood sugar and ketone levels become very high.

• Extremely high blood sugar levels.
• Unbearably thirsty .
• Blurred vision.
• Frequent, large amounts of urine.
• Excessive sleepiness and grogginess.
• A fruity smell on the breath.

This condition is very rare during pregnancy, but can occur if diabetes is not controlled.

How to control and prevent ketone levels?

Treatment depends on the cause. Your doctor will determine the best treatment.

• If you have diabetes: You will need to change your diet to control your blood sugar levels. You may also need to take insulin injections.
• If vomiting is the cause: You will need to take medication to control the vomiting or, if necessary, be hospitalized and given saline (IV fluids).
• If it is due to insufficient food: Increase the number of meals and advise people to eat nutritious foods.

These things generally help keep ketone levels at a healthy level:

• Never skip meals. Especially during pregnancy, don't go on a diet.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids. It is very important to avoid dehydration.
• Eat 3 main meals and 3 snacks per day.
• Eating something small, like yogurt, a glass of milk, or fruit , before going to bed at night can help reduce ketone levels in the morning.
• Include a balance of protein (eggs, meat, fish, beans, chickpeas) and carbohydrates (rice, beans, oats, bran bread) at each meal.
• Get some exercise every day.

When should you call your doctor?

If you already know you have ketones in your urine and have one or more of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.

• Fever.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• If you are diabetic, your blood sugar levels may be higher than normal for no apparent reason.
• Urine ketone levels show as “moderate” or “large” when tested at home.