Changes in urine color are pretty normal during pregnancy. Inasmuch as a change in urine color can be a sign of pregnancy, it could also be as a result of a problem during pregnancy. Normal urine color always ranges from very light almost transparent yellow to a slightly darker shade of yellow. However, during pregnancy there can be a pronounced change in the color of urine as it can range from an intense bright yellow to a darker, shade of yellow.

The color of urine is normally determined by a pigment called urobilin. And the appearance of this pigment often depends on the consistency of the urine. Therefore, it explains why the pigment of your urine is always a lighter shade when you are hydrated and darker when it’s concentrated. That said, the other factors that can influence the color of urine during pregnancy include:

1.) A change of diet
It is imperative for pregnant women to eat healthily. When a pregnant woman switches to a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and other healthy foods, her urine color could change as well.

2.) Vitamins and medications
Pregnant women often take prenatal vitamins and supplements to keep themselves and their babies healthy. However, because their bodies cannot totally break down the vitamins, some are discarded from the body in the form of a darker shade of urine. If you are sure the change in the color of your urine is as a result of a change of diet or vitamins, then there is no cause for alarm.

3.) Dehydration
Dehydration is another culprit for a change in urine color during pregnancy. It’s normal for some pregnant women to experience dehydration even when they have been drinking more than enough water. This is particularly the case with women who have severe morning sickness characterized by nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Of course, this can also result in changes in the color of urine.

4.) Diseases and infections
Certain infections such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Urinary bladder infections as well as kidney disease may also cause the color of urine to change during pregnancy. But of course, most of these conditions have other symptoms aside from changes in the color of urine.

It is of utmost importance to conduct urine tests from time to time during pregnancy. This will help in detecting possible conditions that require further tests and treatments.

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