Urinating
Many infections can be detected with a urine test. At your first pregnancy check-up you will be asked for a urine sample. This is tested for urinary tract infections, dehydration, sugar levels, proteins, and it will confirm the pregnancy. A urine sample will also be requested for most follow-up visits.
Before you fill a jar for a urine sample, you must first wash your hands thoroughly. Pee for a few seconds in the toilet before you fill the jar. Avoid touching the inside of the jar with your fingers. Usually only a small amount of urine is required for a test. The doctor is particularly interested in the following information:
* Sugar - An elevated sugar level may be an indication that you have gestational diabetes.
* Protein - An excess of protein in your urine can indicate various complications.
* Ketones - Ketones appear when the body breaks down stored fat. If you do not get enough carbohydrates you are more likely to have ketones. If this happens, you may feel sick, vomit and lose weight. Ketones in combination with an elevated sugar level may indicate diabetes. If you can not keep your food and drink through the nausea, the doctor will prescribe medication or, if it is serious, prescripe an infusion.
* Blood cells or bacteria - A urinary tract infection can also be found when you have blood cells or nitrite in your urine.
Pee regularly
If you are pregnant, your body produces more fluids. These extra fluids mean that your kidneys and bladder have to work much harder. A common signal of a pregnancy is that you have to urinate more often. Even before you know that you are pregnant, you may find that you have to go to the toilet more often. As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus will press on the bladder. Unfortunately, this means that you will probably also wake up at night to go to the toilet. If you lean forward while urinating, you can make the bladder more empty than if you stay upright. Drink a lot during the day, and drink less before you go to sleep. Also during the first days after the delivery you will have to go to the toilet much more often, because your body wants to discharge excess fluid. If you have to go to the toilet, do not hold it. Holding your pee for a long time can cause an infection.
Issues
Doctors get a lot of questions about urinating. If you report problems on time, it is generally quite easy to do something about it. Call the doctor if you have a burning sensation. Call also if you constantly feel that you have to urinate, while only a tiny bit comes when you go to the toilet. Pain in the lower abdomen or weird urine can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection. This is the most common bacterial infection in pregnant women. If you leave it alone, a urinary tract infection can lead to a kidney infection or a premature birth.
A bladder infection (cystitis) is also a urinary tract infection. You will have a burning sensation when urinating, and you will also have to urinate more often. Bacteria can infect any part of the urinary tract, starting at the kidneys. Your urine is made in the kidneys and then goes to the bladder. Your bladder stores the urine until you urinate. Your urethra releases the urine from the bladder.
Drinking plenty of water and occasionally some cranberry juice will cleanse your kidneys and prevent the formation of new bacteria in the urinary tract. If you feel that you have to go to the toilet, do not hold it. Empty the bladder completely by sitting forwards. Prevent bacteria from entering your urinary tract by wiping from front to back. Prevent the use of sprays and powders and strong soap. Wearing cotton underwear can help prevent an infection.
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