Prenatal Urine Test

Why would I need this test?
A urine test (urinalysis) is the most common way of verifying early pregnancy. It is also the most common type of test used to monitor health during pregnancy. However, urine testing done during each prenatal visit is different from a urine pregnancy test. During prenatal visits, your urine is checked for evidence of protein or sugar, which could indicate pregnancy complications.

How is this test performed?
At every prenatal visit during pregnancy, you are asked for a urine sample by urinating into a special container. Less than 1 ounce of urine is all that is required for a urinalysis.

What are normal results?
In normal urine, there should be no ketones present, and little or no protein and sugar. Red blood cells should not be present and no, or very small numbers of, white blood cells and bacteria. A normal urine pH level is 4.5 to 8.

What are abnormal results?
Protein in the urine may indicate preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Preeclampsia is suspected when protein in the urine is accompanied by excessive swelling and elevated blood pressure. The presence of sugar or ketones in the urine may indicate diabetes. The presence of red blood cells may indicate a urinary tract infection. White blood cells or bacteria usually indicate a urinary tract infection. A high Ph may result from a urinary tract infection, as well. There are also other conditions for which a 24-hour collection is needed.