Pregnancy And Baby Care Conditions During Pregnancy Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy

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Causes of Ketones formation in Urine (Ketonuria)

Some of the causes of ketonuria are metabolic disorders like diabetes and renal glycosuria, abnormal dietary patterns like starving or fasting, low carbohydrate intake, anorexia, and prolonged vomiting. One of the other causes of ketonuria is enhanced rate of metabolism, which is predominantly seen during pregnancy, lactation, and even in hyperthyroidism.The impact of ketones in urine during pregnancy is still a matter of apprehension. Some researchers believe that high ketones in urine during pregnancy can cause lower IQ and lack of concentration and memory in the offspring, while others deny this. There is no definitive research to support this belief, and as such, it cannot be inferred that presence of ketones in urine during pregnancy can adversely affect the child. In fact, appearance of moderate ketones in urine during pregnancy is common.

During pregnancy, the body becomes resistant to insulin, and as such, even if there is sufficient amount of carbohydrates and glucose in the body, it does not get converted to energy. Hence, fatty acids are converted into energy, thereby causing the excessive formation of ketones in the body. This, in turn, leads to appearance of small amount of ketones in urine during pregnancy.

However, excessive spilling of ketones during pregnancy is indicative of long gap between meals and various nutritional disorders. As such, during pregnancy, women must consume a balanced diet with simple carbohydrates so as to not over-strain the hormonal system. There should be sufficient amount of carbohydrates in the diet. Moreover, the diet must contain sufficient amount of proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins. and roughage. In addition to this, pregnant women must consume small but frequent meals and so they should eat every two to three hours.

Women should also go for frequent medical check-ups to ensure that large amount of ketones in the urine during pregnancy do not occur. If the amount of ketones on urine is high during pregnancy, women must take the prescribed treatment.