Acidic wee during pregnancy

[chilledmama]

I am 20 weeks pg with DC2. I had my wee checked at last antenatal visit and my wee is pH5...MW wasn't worried, I'm not worried but blardy curious...

Does anyone know how your wee gets that acidic and more interestingly what does it mean??????[very curious emoticon]

yes, its cos the baby is using up your alkaline stores.

nutrients like calcium and magnesium are alkaline. at this stage, baby will be taking them from you for himself and causing a slight increase in your acidity.

the acid alkaline difference is the biggest cause of pre eclampsia.

this is also why new born babies have that sweet gorgeous smell when born, its cos they are alkaline and they stay slightly alkaline till they stop breast feeding and you stay slightly acidic till you stop too.

normal pH is 7.4. you only have to drop to say 7.1 (still technically alkaline) to get acidic wee as your kidneys are working hard to reduce the acid levels. you may also find your breathing has increased? this is the lungs exhaling more CO2 in an effort to reduce short term acid levels.

if your GP agrees, the best thing to do is increase your alkaline buffers like magnesium and calcium intake either by food or by supplements as I know from experience of my ex, acidic wee can be horrible and sting a lot!! pH 5 though is very acidic, the hydrochloric acid conditions in your stomach are only pH4 so I would imagine you are in dire need of supplementation of some kind

blimey!!! Thanks Misi - I'll actually do something about it now!! haven't had any discomfort from wee but it can only be a matter of time!!