Any red discolouration of urine at any time in pregnancy can be a cause of concern and anxiety for any expectant woman. The fact that it can be due to something as harmless as food or supplement intake, or to an early warning signal for a condition requiring medical attention, makes the situation all the more critical.
Fortunately, most causes of it can be treated, provided they are identified early. Reddish urine in pregnancy requires early medical assessment for your safety and the well-being of your baby.
Urine colour is typically between pale yellow and dark amber, depending on how hydrated you are. However, reddish urine during pregnancy is something that is not normal. This is indicative that something has changed the colour of your urine. The reason could be benign, like food or supplements, or it could consist of blood or an infection.
Though minor pinkish or reddish discolouration doesn't necessarily mean anything serious, you should never ignore recurring redness or blood in the urine.
Beetroot, blackberries, or rhubarb can result in reddish or pinkish urine that can be harmless and will be listed as beeturia. Other artificial colouring agents in processed foods can also give similar results.
Certain antibiotics, iron supplements, and multivitamins commonly given during pregnancy may also affect urine colour. Iron tablets tend to darken the urine and sometimes give it a reddish hue.
If your body is not getting enough fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated and may turn darker, possibly even reddish-orange. This can be corrected by staying hydrated.
A common cause of red-coloured urine during pregnancy, UTIs occur due to hormonal changes that relax the muscles of the urinary tract, making infections more likely. Symptoms include burning while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy urine, and mild lower abdominal pain.
This is when there are red blood cells found in the urine, which could be due to an infection, inflammation, or injury of the urinary tract. Sometimes it may form visible clots. Hematuria should always be investigated.
Stones may form when minerals in urine crystallise. They can cause intense pain in the lower back or abdomen and also give the blood a visible appearance in the urine. Pregnant women are at higher risk because of hormonal changes that affect the flow of urine.
This is a disease of the filtering units of the kidney; it can give rise to reddish urine in pregnancy, swelling of the feet, and proteinuria. Medical management is necessary to avoid renal complications.
In rare cases, the presence of red or brown urine later in pregnancy could indicate a problem with the placenta or internal bleeding. It is usually accompanied by cramps, abdominal pain, or spotting from the vagina and needs urgent evaluation.
If you find the presence of reddish urine during pregnancy, note any associated manifestations, including:
These symptoms may help your doctor determine whether the cause is urinary or kidney-related.
If you're wondering what to do if you see reddish urine during pregnancy, here's a simple step-by-step guide:
Do Not Panic:
These are usually harmless changes and are due to either food or supplements. There is usually no need to be alarmed, but rather to simply observe the symptom.
Check Your Diet:
Think about what you have had to eat over the last 24 hours. Beets, berries, and some vitamins are potential causes.
Hydrate Well:
Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to flush out toxins and check if the colour of the urine goes back to normal.
Observe Symptoms:
Note if there's pain, fever, or an unusual odour. These could indicate infection or kidney-related problems.
Consult Your Doctor:
Consult your gynaecologist promptly if the discolouration remains for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Seek immediate medical assistance if:
Your doctor may recommend the following to determine the exact cause of red-colored urine in pregnancy:
Treatment would depend upon the cause of reddish-colored urine in pregnancy:
Never self-medicate if you are pregnant; always consult your healthcare provider.
The prevention of reddish urine in pregnancy involves simple but consistent habits.
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Seek medical advice if:
Early consultation prevents complications and allows for a healthy pregnancy outcome.
At Cloudnine, your health and your baby’s well-being are always our top priorities. Our team of expert obstetricians, gynaecologists, and nephrologists provide advanced diagnostics and compassionate care for urinary and kidney-related issues during pregnancy. With state-of-the-art labs, round-the-clock paediatric and obstetric support, and a holistic care approach, Cloudnine ensures accurate diagnosis and timely treatment in a safe and comfortable environment. From routine urine tests to specialised management, you can trust our experts to guide you every step of the way.
If you notice red urine in pregnancy, take time to observe, hydrate, and consult with your doctor in a timely manner. If you do this, early detection and proper care will keep your health stable and ensure your pregnancy goes smoothly. Book your appointment for an antenatal consultation today at Cloudnine and let our specialists help you stay healthy, informed, and confident throughout your pregnancy.
This may be due to certain foods such as beetroot, medication, dehydration, or even other medical conditions like UTIs and kidney stones.
Usually not, if treated early. However, if left untreated, infection and kidney issues can affect the health of pregnancy, so medical evaluation is important
Not directly; sometimes vaginal bleeding may mix with the urine, giving it a red appearance. Your doctor can make that differentiation through tests.
Stress alone does not cause blood in the urine, but it can exacerbate existing health problems or lead to dehydration, eventually darkening the colour of the urine.
