When you’re pregnant, every change in your body can feel significant. It’s natural to be concerned about any new symptoms or test results. One common test performed during pregnancy involves checking for high ketones in urine pregnancy.

While you may not have heard much about ketones before, it’s important to understand what they mean for your pregnancy and the well-being of both you and your baby.

We’ll break down what high ketones in urine mean, what causes them, how they can impact your pregnancy, and what steps you can take to manage the situation. If you’ve received this result, don’t worry. It’s something you can address with the right care and attention.

What Are Ketones?

Ketones are chemicals that your body produces when it breaks down fat for energy. Normally, your body uses glucose (sugar) from carbohydrates as its primary energy source.

However, if your body is low on glucose—such as when you’re not eating enough, or your body cannot properly process glucose—it starts breaking down fat for energy. The by-products of this fat breakdown are called ketones.

While ketones are typically present in small amounts, the presence of a large number of ketones can indicate that something is off in your body’s normal metabolic processes.

What Does “High Ketones in Urine Pregnancy” Mean?

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes to support the growing fetus. These changes can sometimes affect how your body processes nutrients and energy. If you have high ketones in your urine during pregnancy, it typically means that your body is burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

When ketones build up in the blood and urine, this can lead to a condition called ketosis. Ketosis is not always dangerous. However, it can be a signal that your body is not receiving enough energy from food or is not properly managing blood sugar levels.

Why Do High Ketones Appear During Pregnancy?

Morning Sickness or Severe Nausea

Morning sickness is a common issue during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It can result in nausea and vomiting. This can make it difficult to keep food or fluids down. As a result, your body may not get the nutrients it needs. It may start burning fat for energy, producing ketones in the process.

Poor Diet or Fasting

If you’re not eating enough, especially carbohydrates, your body may start burning fat as its primary energy source. This can lead to an increase in ketones. A low-carb or extremely low-calorie diet can also trigger ketosis, as your body begins to break down stored fat for fuel.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly process glucose during pregnancy. This can result in high blood sugar levels.

If your body isn’t able to use glucose effectively, it may begin to break down fat for energy. This can lead to the production of ketones. Gestational diabetes can also lead to high ketones in the urine. It’s important to manage this condition carefully to prevent complications for both you and your baby.

Dehydration

Pregnant women need more fluids to support the increased blood volume and to nourish the growing fetus. If you’re not drinking enough fluids, your body may become dehydrated. Dehydration can make it harder for your body to clear ketones from the urine. This will cause them to build up and appear in higher concentrations.

Increased Physical Activity

Excessive physical activity, particularly without proper nutrition or hydration, can also lead to ketosis. If you’re exercising heavily and not replenishing your energy stores, your body may begin burning fat for fuel and produce ketones in the process.

How High Ketones in Urine Can Affect Your Pregnancy

In small amounts, ketones in urine aren’t usually a cause for concern. However, if the level of ketones is high or persistent, it may indicate that something is wrong.

Here’s how high ketones can affect your pregnancy.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

High levels of ketones in urine are often associated with dehydration. Dehydration can cause your body to lose essential electrolytes. These are important for maintaining fluid balance and healthy muscle and nerve function. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to complications such as preterm labor or low amniotic fluid levels.

Potential Risk for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a common pregnancy complication that can occur when the body doesn’t process glucose properly. High ketones can sometimes be an indicator of this condition. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to high birth weight, premature birth, and other complications for the baby.

Impact on Fetal Development

Although mild ketosis may not cause significant harm, prolonged or severe ketosis can affect fetal development. When ketones build up in the body, they can create an acidic environment. This may impact your baby’s development, particularly the brain. For this reason, it’s important to monitor and manage your ketone levels.

Increased Risk of Pregnancy Complications

High ketones may indicate that your body is struggling to get the energy it needs. If you’re not eating enough, or your body is not processing nutrients properly, it can lead to complications such as poor fetal growth or low birth weight.

If your body is in ketosis for extended periods, it may also increase the risk of preterm birth or other pregnancy complications.

How to Test for High Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy

If you’re concerned about high ketones in your urine, you can test for them at home using ketone test strips. These strips are available at most pharmacies. They work by measuring the level of ketones in your urine.

To use the test strips:

• Collect a urine sample: This is typically done in the morning when your urine is more concentrated.
• Dip the test strip into the urine sample and wait for a few seconds.
• Check the color change: The strip will change color based on the amount of ketones present. The darker the color, the higher the ketone level.

What to Do if You Have High Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy

If you’ve found out that you have high ketones in your urine, you may be feeling worried or uncertain. While this result does deserve attention, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to assure your health and your baby’s well-being.

High ketones in pregnancy can happen for several reasons. However, with the right approach, you can manage the situation effectively.

Take Steps to Hydrate

Dehydration is a common cause of high ketones. That’s why it’s important to increase your fluid intake. When your body isn’t getting enough water, it can’t properly flush out waste products, including ketones. Hydrating regularly throughout the day can help to prevent the buildup of ketones.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

A well-rounded diet can play a big role in managing high ketones during pregnancy. It’s necessary to eat a variety of foods to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

A diet that’s too low in carbohydrates can cause your body to shift to fat for energy and produce ketones as a byproduct. By making sure you’re getting enough carbs from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, you help your body get the fuel it needs.

Work with Your Doctor to Manage Blood Sugar

If you’re experiencing high ketones due to gestational diabetes or another condition that affects blood sugar regulation, your doctor may recommend more frequent blood sugar monitoring. Keeping track of your levels can help you understand how your body is reacting to different foods, activities, and medications.

Avoid Stress and Overexertion

While it’s important to stay active during pregnancy, overexerting yourself can put extra strain on your body and contribute to the production of ketones. If you’re trying to avoid ketosis, it’s helpful to listen to your body and make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard, whether physically or emotionally.

Monitor Your Symptoms

If you’re worried about high ketones, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice any changes or worsening of symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider right away. Some signs that your ketone levels may be too high include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Abdominal pain or discomfort

Get Help from a Specialist if Needed

When your ketones are persistently high or you’re dealing with more complicated pregnancy issues like gestational diabetes or dehydration, it may be helpful to consult a specialist.

Your healthcare provider may recommend seeing an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. This type of care can give you extra support and help make sure you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Managing High Ketones with Medication

In some cases, if high ketones are caused by gestational diabetes or another medical issue, your doctor may recommend medication to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

Insulin therapy is often used for managing gestational diabetes. It can help prevent the body from turning to fat for energy, which can lead to high ketones.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice any worsening symptoms or new concerns during your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. In rare cases, very high levels of ketones can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis. This is a potentially serious condition where the blood becomes too acidic.

Ketoacidosis can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. That’s why it’s important to get medical help if you’re feeling unwell.

Signs of ketoacidosis can include:

• Rapid breathing
• Dry mouth and skin
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Confusion
• Extreme tiredness or weakness

How to Prevent High Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy

The good news is that high ketones in pregnancy can often be prevented with a few lifestyle changes and regular monitoring. You can reduce the risk of high ketones by staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and managing any underlying conditions like gestational diabetes.

If you’re dealing with nausea or vomiting, it’s important to try and keep small, frequent meals down, as this can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent ketosis. Regular checkups with your doctor will help assure that any issues are identified and addressed early.

If you’re dealing with high ketones in urine during pregnancy, don’t worry—it’s something that can be managed with the right care and attention.

At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, we understand how important it is to feel supported throughout your pregnancy. If you’re concerned about high ketones or any other aspect of your health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Our team of OB/GYN specialists is here to help guide you through your pregnancy with the care and attention you deserve. We’re here for you every step of the way.