Smelly urine when pregnant is one of the several unusual symptoms one might experience. While it is not always a cause of concern, it may be uncomfortable for expecting mothers. While some cases could indicate underlying pathology, it is essential to get examined by the doctor to rule out any infections or other problems causing smelly urine. Also, some care and precaution are essential in avoiding smelly urine during pregnancy. Read this post to learn the various causes and preventive measures of smelly urine during pregnancy.
Causes Of Smelly Urine During Pregnancy
The following are the common causes of smelly urine in pregnant women.
Tips To Help Reduce Urine Odor During Pregnancy
The following tips can help you avoid foul urine smell during pregnancy.
Drink six to eight glasses, or 1.5 to 2 liters of water or other fluids every day. Consuming sufficient fluids can prevent dehydration and foul-smelling urine (5).
Maintain good hygiene to help prevent foul smells. For example, bathing regularly, wiping from front to back each time after peeing, using mild, non-fragrant soaps to clean the genitals, etc., can protect the vagina from infections and foul smells.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice and apple cider vinegar can help acidify the urine, reducing the foul smell from the urine.
Empty the urinary bladder frequently to prevent urinary stasis, which can lead to an increased risk of UTIs and bad odor.
Avoid multiple sex partners and intercourse without male latex condoms to help prevent UTIs or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may cause smelly urine.
Probiotics are considered to be beneficial in promoting vaginal health for women. According to some clinical studies, consuming probiotics can help cure bacterial vaginitis and reduce its recurrence (6).
Signs You Should Call The Doctor
Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs along with the foul smell of urine (7):
Blood in pee Lower abdominal pain Pain in the back or under the ribs A general feeling of not feeling well Unusual lethargy Confusion or agitation Fever with or without chills Low body temperature
