What can urine test results during pregnancy predict?

When going to the health examination, pregnant women may be assigned to perform a urine test. Urinalysis is one of the important and necessary tests that are often ordered during pregnancy. The urine test indicators of pregnant women will partly show the mother's health status during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a magical time because you are nurturing a germ in your body. To make sure this process is safe and convenient, doctors will take certain precautions for pregnant women. At each prenatal visit, your doctor will ask you to take a urine pregnancy test, which is believed to be an accurate way to detect risk factors during pregnancy.
How to do this:
You will be given a urine sample cup and a sterile wipe and then directed to the restroom to collect the sample. Wash your hands thoroughly, then use your fingers to separate the labia and wipe the vulva from front to back with a sterile washcloth. Urinate for a few seconds into the toilet bowl and then place the cup in the middle of the stream until enough sample is collected. The urine will be stored in a sterile container to prevent bacteria or any other agents that can affect the results. To screen for certain diseases, doctors will use test strips with the appropriate chemicals and dip them in a urine sample.
Based on the test results, the doctor will give specific advice for pregnant women to have a suitable examination regime to ensure safety during pregnancy.

Here are the problems that can be found when a pregnant woman does a urinalysis based on the results of the urine test of the pregnant woman:
2.1 Glucose (Glu) Glucose is a type of sugar found in the blood. Normally, there is no or very little glucose in the urine. When blood sugar levels are very high, such as uncontrolled diabetes, the sugar is released into the urine. Glucose can also be found in the urine when the kidneys are damaged or diseased.
Allowable glucose index: 50-100 mg/dL or 2.5-5 mmol/L. If you eat a lot of sweet foods before the test, the presence of glucose in your urine is normal. But if the sugar level on the second test is higher than the first, it is a warning sign that you are at risk of diabetes. If you are accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, constant thirst, and weight loss, you should see your doctor to have your blood sugar checked. 2.2 Leukocytes (LEU ca): white blood cells Permissible index in the range: 10-25 Leu/UL. When the urine contains white blood cells, the pregnant woman may have a bacterial or fungal infection (values ​​suggest UTI but not confirmed). In the process of fighting invading bacteria, some red blood cells die and are excreted in the urine, so you need a nitrite test to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

2.3 Nitrate (NIT) This parameter will help doctors determine if pregnant women are at risk of UTIs. Normal readings: 0.05-0.1 mg/dL. Bacteria that cause urinary tract infections produce an enzyme that converts urinary nitrate to nitrite. Therefore, if nitrite is found in the urine, it means that there is a urinary tract infection and E.Coli bacteria is the most dangerous bacteria to cause this condition. 2.4 Urobilinogen (UBG) This indicator indicates disease in the liver or gallbladder. The allowable index is in the range: 0.2-1.0 mg/dL or 3.5-17 mmol/L. This is a product formed from the breakdown of bilirubin and is also eliminated from the body in the feces. Only small amounts of urobilinogen are present in the urine. Urobilinogen in the urine can be a sign of liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis) that obstructs the flow of bile from the gallbladder. 2.5 Bilirubin (BIL) The allowable index is: 0.4-0.8 mg/dL or 6.8-13.6 mmol/L. This indicator shows signs of liver or gallbladder disease. Bilirubin is a product of the breakdown of red blood cells. It passes out of the body in the stool. Normal bilirubin is not present in the urine. If Bilirubin appears in the urine, it means that the liver is damaged or the flow of bile from the gallbladder is blocked.

2.6 Protein (Pro): protein This indicates blood in the urine, infection or kidney disease. Allowable index from : 7.5-20 mg/dL or 0.075-0.2 g/L. If the test detects protein in the urine, the condition of the pregnant woman may be related to symptoms such as: lack of water, test sample contains mucus, urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, problems in the uterus. kidneys... At the end of pregnancy, if there is a lot of protein in the urine, pregnant women are at risk of preeclampsia, blood poisoning. If a pregnant woman has swelling in her face and hands, and high blood pressure, she should be checked for preeclampsia right away. In addition, if albumin (a protein) is detected in the urine, it also warns the pregnant woman at risk of gestational toxicity or gestational diabetes. 2.7 pH pH is used to assess the acidity of urine. Normal range: 4.6-8 This number is used to test whether urine is acidic or basic in nature. If pH = 4 means the urine is strongly acidic, pH = 7 is neutral (neither acidic nor basic), pH = 9 means the urine is strongly basic. 2.8 Blood (BLD) This reading indicates a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or bleeding from the bladder or kidney tumor. Allowable range: 0.015-0.062 mg/dL or 5-10 Ery/UL. Inflammatory diseases or damage to the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra can cause blood to appear in the urine. 2.9 Specific Gravity (SG) This index is used to assess the urine is dilute or concentrated (due to drinking too much water or due to lack of water) Allowable index: 1,005-1.030 2.10 Ketones This index usually occurs in people with urination sugar, a low-carbohydrate diet, alcoholism or depression. Permissible index: 2.5-5.0mg/dL or 0.25-0.5 mmol/L. Usually absent or sometimes low in pregnant women. Ketones are substances that are excreted in the urine, indicating that the pregnant woman and the fetus are undernourished or have diabetes. When detecting the amount of Ketone, accompanied by signs of anorexia, fatigue, pregnant women should be prescribed fluids and medication by a doctor. To reduce the amount of ketones, pregnant women should relax, rest and try not to skip meals. 2.11 Ascorbic Acid (ASC) This is a waste product in the urine to evaluate for kidney disease. Normal value: 5-10 mg/dL or 0.28-0.56 mmol.L Based on the information above you can get an idea. the meaning of the indicators in the urine test during pregnancy . Urine test during pregnancy is not to be missed because it is the best way to detect urinary tract infections early, pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes... to ensure the health of both mother and son.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and High quality prenatal screening tests, with modern machinery, a team of enthusiastic and professional doctors will ensure you have the healthiest and most favorable pregnancy.