Normally odorless in nature, when the urine starts smelling, it may mean that there is some problem in the body. If you experience smelly urine during pregnancy, then you need to visit a gynecologist to diagnose the exact cause of this issue. This article discusses the reasons for smelly urine during early pregnancy, and how this condition can be treated.
A pregnant woman’s body undergoes a number of changes till childbirth. These changes occur due to an increase in the level of hormones, especially estrogen, in the body. The body may exhibit a number of signs to confirm pregnancy. To name a few, morning sickness, fatigue, nausea-induced vomiting, etc., are some of the indications that a woman may have conceived. Another sign of conception may be a mild odor in the urine. However, if the urine is dark in color and smelly, then it may be a cause of concern since it can be a sign of some underlying health condition. Pregnant women are more prone to a number of infections and other health problems when compared to women who are not pregnant. One such issue is noticing a foul-smelling urine, which can be quite disgusting.
Causes
There can be a number of factors which may be responsible for strong-smelling urine during pregnancy. Some of the conditions may go away with time while some may require medical intervention. It is necessary to determine the root cause of this distressing condition to get rid of it. Following are some of the causes of stinky urine during pregnancy:
- One of the primary causes is dehydration. This condition may occur when there is less intake of water and fluids as required by the body. Inadequate amount of fluids in the body can make the urine concentrated and give out a strange odor similar to ammonia.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin, better known as hCG, is also one of the reasons why some pregnant women may experience foul odor while urinating. This pregnancy hormone is produced by the placenta of the embryo. It assimilates in the mother’s bloodstream and is passed out of the body through urine. The pungent smell that is given out by the urine is that of this pregnancy hormone.
- When a woman is pregnant, her body may produce more urine due to an increase in the kidney function. The reason for this is an increase in the level of progesterone hormone, which increases the filtration of blood at a higher pace than normal. This increases the rate of metabolism, which may change the smell of urine (slightly) in pregnant women.
- Gestational diabetes is a common occurrence in most pregnant women, which may go away once the child is born. Diabetes causes the blood-glucose levels to increase and traces of it may be found in the urine. This is the reason for experiencing sweet-smelling urine during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTI). This infection is caused due to growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. The bacteria secrete certain enzymes which may get mixed with the urine and produce a foul odor. If the symptoms like mild cramping in the pelvis region, burning sensation while urinating, etc., are observed, then it can be due to a urinary tract infection.
Remedies
Smelly urine during pregnancy can be controlled by some remedies that are mild and won’t affect the fetus. Drinking plenty of water and fluids like fruit juices, tender coconut water, etc., is advised by health care providers around the world. This helps reduce the concentrates in the urine, making it lighter and almost odorless. To treat gestational diabetes and UTI, the physician may prescribe drugs that may cure these disorders successfully. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to keep away bacterial infections. Consult your gynecologist before taking any medication for this condition.
Though not a matter of grave concern, foul-smelling urine or any other disorder should not be overlooked and put off as something usual. Consulting a gynecologist will prove beneficial to deal with this condition in a more effective manner.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
