If you’re pregnant, you might notice a few changes in the color of your urine — and that’s completely normal.
Your urine color is a great indicator of whether you’re drinking enough fluids and can sometimes point to potential health problems. So, paying attention to your urine color is a good idea.
This article breaks down all the possible urine color changes you might see during pregnancy, what causes them, and when you should talk with your doctor.
What is normal urine color during pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant, you’re likely paying close attention to every little change in your body. So what does your pee color tell you?
Ideal urine color: pale yellow
Pale yellow is pretty much the perfect shade, meaning you’re getting enough fluids, but not too much. It indicates that your kidneys are doing their job to keep your fluid levels where they should be.
Acceptable variations
Light yellow is fine, too. It means you’re well-hydrated.
Clear urine isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, but it may mean you’re getting too much fluid and might want to cut back a bit.
Factors influencing normal urine color
How hydrated you are is the biggest factor. The darker the color, the more dehydrated you are likely to be.
What you eat and drink, including any supplements you’re taking, can also affect the color of your urine, although these changes don’t necessarily indicate a problem.
What Can Cause Urine Color to Change During Pregnancy?
So, what’s behind these changes in urine color during pregnancy? Here are a few possible causes:
Dehydration
Dehydration is probably the most common reason for darker urine when you’re pregnant. Morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, or even just not drinking enough water can all lead to dehydration. If your urine is darker than usual, it’s a good idea to increase your fluid intake.
Hormonal Shifts
Pregnancy hormones, especially the rise in hCG levels, can affect how concentrated your urine is and how it looks. Progesterone, for example, can relax the muscles in your urinary tract, which can lead to more frequent urination and maybe even some incontinence. The increase in your blood volume during pregnancy can also make you pee more often, and your urine might be lighter in color.
Dietary Changes and Supplements
What you eat can definitely change the color of your pee. Beets and carrots, for instance, can temporarily turn your urine a different color. Plus, prenatal vitamins, especially the ones with B vitamins, can make your urine look bright yellow or orange. Even iron supplements can have an effect.
Medications
Certain medications can change your urine color, sometimes quite dramatically. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist about the possible side effects of any medications you’re taking, including changes in urine color.
Medical Conditions
While it’s less common, some medical conditions can affect your urine color. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make your urine cloudy or even bloody. Liver problems can cause your urine to be dark orange or brown, and kidney stones can also lead to blood in your urine.
Abnormal urine colors and when to seek medical attention
While a pale yellow urine color is ideal during pregnancy, sometimes you might notice other hues in the toilet bowl. Here’s what they might mean, and when you should call your doctor.
Red or pink urine
Blood in your urine always requires immediate medical attention. Possible causes include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or other underlying conditions that need prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Dark orange, brown, or black urine
These darker colors can be a sign of dehydration, liver problems, or other serious medical issues. It’s important to get a prompt medical evaluation to determine what’s causing the color change.
Cloudy or opaque urine
Cloudy urine often suggests a UTI, especially if you’re also experiencing other symptoms like frequent urination, a burning sensation when you pee, or urine that smells very strong.
Green or blue urine
Although green or blue urine is often caused by food dyes or medications, it’s still a good idea to rule out other potential causes by talking with a doctor.
Foamy or bubbly urine
If your urine looks foamy or bubbly, it could be a sign of proteinuria, which means you have too much protein in your urine. This requires medical evaluation.
How to prevent UTIs during pregnancy
Pregnant people have a higher risk of UTIs because of hormonal changes and how the growing uterus puts pressure on the urinary tract.
Here are some ways to lower your risk:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water every day.
- Practice good hygiene. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
- Urinate strategically. Empty your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.
- Wear breathable underwear. Choose cotton underwear to help keep the area dry and prevent bacterial growth.
- Don’t hold it. Urinate when you feel the urge and avoid holding urine for long periods.
It’s important to see a doctor right away if you think you have a UTI.
Staying hydrated during pregnancy
It’s a good idea to pay attention to the color of your urine throughout your pregnancy. If it’s consistently dark, it’s a sign you need to drink more water.
Here are some things you can do to stay hydrated:
- Aim for at least 8-10 cups of water each day.
- Eat water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers.
- Carry a water bottle and refill it often.
- Limit caffeine, since it can make you pee more.
If you have any concerns about your urine color or hydration levels, contact your doctor or midwife.
Summary
During pregnancy, you might notice changes in the color of your urine. Often, these changes are harmless and related to how much water you’re drinking. If you’re dehydrated, your urine may appear darker than usual. If you’re drinking plenty of fluids, your urine may look very pale.
Most of the time, changes in urine color are nothing to worry about. However, some color changes can be a sign of an underlying health problem that requires treatment. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the color of your urine and talk with your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Staying hydrated and keeping all your prenatal appointments are two of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.