Pregnancy throws your body into a whirlwind of hormonal shifts and physiological changes, and these changes can affect pretty much everything — including the color of your urine.
Seeing a different color in the toilet bowl can be alarming when you’re pregnant, but it’s often nothing to worry about. However, sometimes a change in the color of urine when pregnant can signal a problem.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to urine color during pregnancy. We’ll explain the normal range of colors, what might cause a change, when you should worry, and how to keep your urinary tract happy and healthy during those nine months.
What makes urine the color it is?
Urine is mostly water, about 95 percent. The rest is made up of the waste products that your kidneys filter out of your blood.
Your kidneys are constantly cleaning your blood, removing extra water, electrolytes, and waste. All of that gets flushed out as urine.
The main thing that gives urine its color is a pigment called urochrome. Urochrome is what’s left over when your body breaks down hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. How concentrated the urochrome is, along with the other stuff in your urine, affects the color.
Early Pregnancy and Urine Color Changes
During the early weeks of pregnancy, a few things are happening in your body that can change the color of your urine.
Hormonal influence
When you’re pregnant, you have higher levels of hormones, including hCG, progesterone, and estrogen. These hormones can affect the characteristics of your urine by influencing kidney function and fluid balance.
Progesterone, in particular, can relax the muscles of your urinary tract, which can increase how often you need to urinate and sometimes lead to incontinence.
Dehydration and morning sickness
Morning sickness, and its more severe form, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), can lead to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated and darker in color.
The increased blood volume that comes with pregnancy requires you to drink more fluids than you did before you became pregnant. If you don’t drink enough, your urine may be darker.
Increased frequency of urination
In early pregnancy, most women find they need to pee more often than usual. This is due to both hormonal shifts and increased kidney filtration.
If you don’t consciously drink more water throughout the day, this increased urination can lead to dehydration.
What color is normal urine during pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant, you want your urine to fall within a certain color range. Here’s what to look for:
- Pale Yellow to Clear: This means you’re well-hydrated. You’re drinking enough fluids, and your urine is diluted.
- Light Yellow: This is also a healthy, normal color. It suggests you’re well-hydrated and your kidneys are working properly.
- Variations in Yellow: Normal daily fluctuations happen. The intensity of the yellow color can change based on how much fluid you’re drinking and what you’re eating.
Keep an eye on your urine color throughout the day. You might notice it lightening as you drink more fluids. Staying hydrated is key during pregnancy, so use your urine color as a guide!
Abnormal urine colors and potential concerns
While pale yellow is the shade you’re shooting for, sometimes your urine can be a different color. Here’s what those changes might mean:
Dark yellow or amber
Dark yellow or amber pee is often a sign that you’re dehydrated, so try to increase the amount of fluid you’re drinking to head off any complications. Morning sickness can sometimes make it hard to stay hydrated, so be extra vigilant about getting enough to drink.
Orange urine
If your urine is orange, it could be a sign of dehydration, a side effect of some medications, or even a sign that your liver isn’t working quite right.
A light orange tint could be caused by some of the foods you’re eating or supplements you’re taking, but a darker orange could indicate a problem with your bilirubin levels, so it’s worth a trip to the doctor.
Pink or red urine
Pink or red urine is never normal and could mean there’s blood in your urine, a condition called hematuria. Blood in your urine can be caused by UTIs, kidney stones, or other medical conditions, so it’s important to get it checked out right away.
Brown or tea-colored urine
Brown or tea-colored urine could be a sign of severe dehydration, liver problems, or muscle breakdown. Because it could point to a serious underlying medical condition, it’s important to get prompt medical attention.
Cloudy or opaque urine
If your urine is cloudy or opaque, it could mean you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or it could be caused by vaginal discharge. Either way, it’s worth a call to your healthcare provider.
Blue or green urine
Blue or green urine is often caused by food dyes or medications, including some of the dyes used in medical tests. Usually, it’s not a cause for concern unless you have other symptoms.
How supplements and medications change urine color
If you’re pregnant, you may be taking more pills than usual, and these can change the color of your urine.
- Prenatal vitamins often contain B vitamins, especially riboflavin (B2), which can make urine bright yellow or orange.
- Iron supplements can cause urine to look brown or the color of tea.
- Some prescription drugs can also alter urine color, sometimes turning it blue, green, or orange.
It’s always a good idea to tell your doctor about all the supplements and medications you’re taking so they can help you understand any changes in your urine color.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) During Pregnancy
UTIs are more common when you’re pregnant because of hormone changes and anatomical shifts. Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, relaxes your urinary tract, which means bacteria can travel up more easily.
Common UTI symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Burning when you pee
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Other symptoms can include pelvic pain, fever, and blood in your urine.
It’s important to treat UTIs quickly during pregnancy because they can cause problems like early labor and low birth weight. Your doctor will likely test your urine regularly throughout your pregnancy to check for bacteria.
How to prevent UTIs and keep your urine healthy
Here are a few tips for keeping your urinary tract healthy during pregnancy, which can help prevent unusual urine colors:
- Stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of water every day to flush bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Practice good hygiene. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to keep bacteria from the rectum out of the urethra.
- Urinate before and after sex. This helps flush bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
- Wear breathable underwear. Cotton underwear can keep the area dry and prevent bacterial growth.
- Don’t hold your urine. Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge.
- Try cranberry juice or supplements. Some research suggests that cranberry products can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
Wrapping Up
Throughout your pregnancy, it’s important to pay attention to the color of your urine. Urine color can be a sign of hydration status, diet, and even possible health problems.
Staying well-hydrated and practicing good hygiene are key to urinary health and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are common during pregnancy.
If you notice any unusual changes in your urine color, particularly if it’s dark, red, or cloudy, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. These changes could indicate a complication that needs prompt medical attention.
As an expectant parent, your health and well-being are paramount. Prioritizing regular prenatal care and paying close attention to changes in your body can help ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy.