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4 Min Read
The body produces ketones as it breaks down fat to provide energy. Normally, your body prefers to use glucose (sugar) for fuel. However, when glucose isn't readily available, your body turns to fat for energy, resulting in ketone production. Small amounts of ketones are usually present in the body and are not harmful. However, when ketone levels become elevated, it can indicate a problem. This blog shares all the essential details that you must know and empowers you with the knowledge to determine when to consult a doctor or take precautions.
Synopsis
Why Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy Matter
Noticing ketones in urine when pregnant can be a sign of:
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Gestational Diabetes: This is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can prevent glucose from reaching the baby and force the body to break down fat for energy, resulting in ketone production.
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Inadequate Caloric Intake: If you're not consuming enough calories or carbohydrates, your body may switch to burning fat for energy, leading to ketone production.
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Vomiting and Dehydration: Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can contribute to ketone production.
What to Do If You Have Ketones in Urine While Pregnant
If you find ketones in your urine during pregnancy, contact our expert gynaecologists in Jaipur immediately. They will likely recommend:
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Blood sugar testing: To check for gestational diabetes.
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Increased calorie intake: If you're not consuming enough calories, your healthcare provider will recommend increasing your intake.
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Fluid intake: Ensuring adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration.
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Monitoring: Regular monitoring of ketone levels and blood sugar may be necessary.
Potential Risks
High ketones in urine during pregnancy can be harmful to both the mother and baby. It can lead to:
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Preeclampsia: elevated blood pressure and indications of organ damage are characteristics of this dangerous pregnancy condition.
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Increased risk of preterm birth: Ketones can contribute to preterm labour.
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Low birth weight: Babies born to mothers with high ketone levels may have low birth weight.
Prevention
To prevent ketones in urine during pregnancy:
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Maintain a healthy diet: Eat regular meals and snacks to avoid low blood sugar.
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Manage gestational diabetes: If you have gestational diabetes, follow your gynaecologist’s recommendations for managing blood sugar levels.
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Stay hydrated: To avoid becoming dehydrated, consume lots of water.
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Regular prenatal care: Attend all prenatal appointments to monitor your health and that of your baby.
Do not worry if you have been diagnosed with ketones in your urine during pregnancy, as it can be treated with some modifications in your routine and medicines. Book a consultation at our Gynaecology Hospital in Jaipur for any concerns or questions related to your pregnancy. They can guide you and offer personalised treatment depending on your specific requirements.
We also invite you to explore our blog page to read the latest healthcare blogs written by our doctors. The objective of our blog page is to share medically accurate information in the public domain and empower people to make well-informed decisions.
FAQ's
A lot of people put the blame only on diabetes for the increase of ketones in urine during pregnancy, but Ketones can also be seen in the urine of non-diabetic people if their bodies are burning fat instead of glucose for energy.
Following are some common factors that can elevate the level of ketones in the urine:
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Dehydration
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Low-carb diet
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Diabetes
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UTI
No, it does not indicate kidney diseases, your doctor will need to do more relevant tests based on the symptoms you have reported to confirm any kidney disease.
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