ketones in urine

[expatnow]

I seem to keep testing positive for ketones and I'm not sure why. I usually have my test in the morning and they ask if I have eaten breakfast (I always do). I seem to remember I had the same thing a few times with my first pregnancy, but no one seems that bothered this time or last time. Any ideas? I'm not overly worried, but it seems odd.

Dehydration causes ketones.

Are you vomiting?

No- been perfectly fine. And this has been quite a few times over the past months. I live in a very hot climate, so it could be dehyrdration, but I am careful to drink lots of water. I am now 37 weeks.

Oh wow, quite late on then.

I had ketones from severe sickness for the first 14 weeks; I was on a drip for most of it.

Are you testing yourself for ketones or having them done by the GP/MW?

Having them done before each appointment. They comment on it, but then don't suggest anything other than I may not be getting enough to eat, but I eat really well and eat quite often. I haven't been sick at all (since the first trimester), so it isn't that.

I had this - am also in a hot climate but it was explained as being due to starvation rather than dehydration! That is probably too strong a word but I always had my appointments after lunch and there was a definite pattern when I had had a small breakfast and no snack and bolted my lunch ketones were there whereas if I'd eaten about an hour before it was fine. Not sure if that really helps but dd was born 4 weeks ago today and is perfect . Congrats and good luck with what's left of your pregnancy!

ketones are a by-product of fat metabolism (in trace amounts); are you eating enough, it could be that you are breaking down stored body fat. higher levels of ketones can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis as a result of very high blood sugars, but if this were the case you would be very very ill and would know about it, it sounds more likely that you are just burning a little fat - were you given an indication of the level? normal ketostix have a scale on the label showing the level, from trace and upwards which i imagine is what they use; i wouldnt worry too much about it, if it was anything other than traces further investigation would probably have been initiated x

Thanks for the replies. Last time it was 2+, it is usually higher than trace. I know it can be related to diabetes and they had thought I might have GD, but I don't as I have had prick tests done just to monitor and always been at a very good level. It just seems odd. I'm not too worried, but just curious about it. I really don;t think it is a case of not eating enough as I have been very careful to eat well and snack on fruit, nuts etc. They have asked me if I am fasting/ starving etc but I tell them I am not so then they leave it... my weight has gone up steadily too (I've gained 25 lbs so far so right on target) so I think they know I am not starving.

hi, i had these turn up all the time in my first pregnancy, and as with you, no one was very concerned. My aunt, who is a nutritionist specialising in diabetes, said only very high levels would indicate a problem, and as stated it's just the body burning fat because glucose (carb) isn't readily available. She said this can be sorted by having a bedtime snack with carb and protein, and not to do any exercise in the morning before eating. (my ketones turned up when in some cases I'd been out for a jog and then eaten breakfast, but also even when i hadn't exercised.)
in short, it should be harmless to the baby!