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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

what does this mean ketones

18 replies

redddssak · 01/05/2024 20:03

I attended triage this morning and did urine sample she didn’t say anything about my urine but saw this on the note when got home, I never had this on the urine part has always said NAD not this
does this mean protein or something should I be worried?
I’m 33 weeks

what does this mean ketones
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cheesychips15 · 01/05/2024 20:21

Do you have gestational diabetes?

I've never seen this in my pregnancy urine tests, but I'm type 1 diabetic and it's something they regularly test me for. If your blood sugar is raised it can create ketones in your blood (and therefore your wee).

There could be another reason for ketones in urine that isn't diabetes related to, so someone with more medical knowledge might be along too advise.

WonderingWanda · 01/05/2024 20:23

Had you eaten anything that morning? Could just mean you needed to eat more.

theotherfossilsister · 01/05/2024 20:25

I had the same at similar gestation. I hadn't eaten that morning and had run to my appointment. I called and they said eat

mrsed1987 · 01/05/2024 20:28

Sometimes it means you haven't eaten or drunk enough. I don't think it's anything to worry about unless they mention it to you

BeautyAndTheBump1 · 01/05/2024 20:30

"Your body burns glucose (sugar) for energy. If your cells don't get enough glucose, your body burns fat for energy instead. This produces ketones, which show up in your urine. During pregnancy, it could indicate gestational diabetes, poor diet or needing to eat more calories"

I have HG and they keep testing my ketone levels - when I've kept nothing down they go up to +4 and they admit me for IV fluids to bring the ketone levels back down. So it could be that you were just dehydrated / hungry

TTPD · 01/05/2024 20:31

cheesychips15 · 01/05/2024 20:21

Do you have gestational diabetes?

I've never seen this in my pregnancy urine tests, but I'm type 1 diabetic and it's something they regularly test me for. If your blood sugar is raised it can create ketones in your blood (and therefore your wee).

There could be another reason for ketones in urine that isn't diabetes related to, so someone with more medical knowledge might be along too advise.

If you don't eat enough it can cause it I think.

A friend of mine recently had a child with a severe stomach bug who ended up in A&E. She had ketones, and low blood sugar.

redddssak · 01/05/2024 20:44

cheesychips15 · 01/05/2024 20:21

Do you have gestational diabetes?

I've never seen this in my pregnancy urine tests, but I'm type 1 diabetic and it's something they regularly test me for. If your blood sugar is raised it can create ketones in your blood (and therefore your wee).

There could be another reason for ketones in urine that isn't diabetes related to, so someone with more medical knowledge might be along too advise.

this is why im worried im awaiting a Gd test in a weeks time ill be over 34 weeks at this point as I had a larger looking baby at my 32 weeks scan,
I feel like I have it my last urine sample 25th April I didnt have this im really worried as I could have GD and not getting help sooner rather than late scares me

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redddssak · 01/05/2024 20:45

I had a no added sugar bottle of Ribeana, half packet of crips before the app and banana so dont think was that
more concerned she didnt feel the need to tell me, as im awaiting a GD test

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Bloom15 · 01/05/2024 20:51

BeautyAndTheBump1 · 01/05/2024 20:30

"Your body burns glucose (sugar) for energy. If your cells don't get enough glucose, your body burns fat for energy instead. This produces ketones, which show up in your urine. During pregnancy, it could indicate gestational diabetes, poor diet or needing to eat more calories"

I have HG and they keep testing my ketone levels - when I've kept nothing down they go up to +4 and they admit me for IV fluids to bring the ketone levels back down. So it could be that you were just dehydrated / hungry

I had the same and remember them going on and on about ketones

redddssak · 01/05/2024 21:02

im convicted now I defo have GD but I still have to wait another week even for the test its making me worry sick the harm I could be causing the baby

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LizzeyBenett · 01/05/2024 21:25

Ketones mean your body is burning fat so it could be that you don't eat anything say since the night before or you could be dehydrated or you see it in gestational diabetes as well if it's not managed. Drink plenty of fluids x

USaYwHatNow · 01/05/2024 21:41

@redddssak there's a really simple solution to this, and instead of asking random people on the internet for advice, phone triage line back or speak to your community midwife tomorrow? They can review your history and reassure you or maybe suggest a repeat sample. It's frustrating that they didn't mention it to you at the time, which they should've done as it's made you worry, however instead of 'worrying yourself sick' give them a call. Triage should be a 24hr service and you won't be wasting anyone's time and you'll (hopefully!) be able to be reassured and be able to get some rest without worrying.

AlisonWonderbra · 01/05/2024 21:42

Were you hungry or dehydrated? I do urine dips daily at work and the usual cause is one of those two things.

redddssak · 01/05/2024 22:39

im gping to call my midwife at my doctors tomorrow for reassurance, and I was hungry but I did have. a snack and I felt like I drank a lot tbh

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JunkJane · 02/05/2024 02:59

The keto diet is based around your body being in ketosis. On the keto diet, you seriously limit the amount of carbohydrates (usually net carbs which is total carbohydrates minus any fibre listed on the nutrition label) to around under 20 grams. To ensure you do not starve, it is recommended to increases your protein and fat intake so you stay full and are receiving proper nutrition. Carbs don't just mean the usual pasta, rice, bread, starchy vegetables, sugary sweets and drinks, but also excluded from the keto diet are all fruits, some higher sugar content vegetables, milk, most processed foods, and many many other foods that my 2am brain can't recall. Someone on a keto diet can use test steps at home to test their urines for ketones to confirm their body is in ketosis and is burning the body's fat supply for energy.

Most doctors do not recommend a keto diet during pregnancy and I am not recommending it either. But having ketones in your urine is an indication that your body is using fat stores in your body for energy instead of using carbohydrates from your diet. During pregnancy, if you have not been limiting your carbohydrate intake which does not sound likely given the crisps and banana you said you ate, it could indicate gestational diabetes, poor diet or needing to eat more calories.

While you wait to speak with your medical team, reflect on your diet over the last few days. Have you been eating enough? Have you been getting enough water? Is the food you have been eating of high nutritional value? If you do suspect it is gestational diabetes, ask your medical team what you can do between now and your OGTT to mitigate any risks to the pregnancy.

Hope this information was somewhat helpful.

Yummymummy2020 · 02/05/2024 03:18

Junk Jane is right! I had a lot of ketones all through my pregnancies. I ate lower carb but still around 100g so not keto, but it did mean I had a score of I think three most of the time at the end. Happened on all three pregnancies , I had gestational diabetes. All babies were great and are happy out now without issue . Where the worry really is I believe is if you get diabetic acidosis, ketones are high and sugars all at once and you are generally very unwell, although I’m sure there can be exceptions as always. I believe it is most common in type 1 but can happen with 2 and gestational, usually due to infection or steroids and not taking insulin.If nothing was said you are probably doing just fine! I know I was also told by third trimester many women routinely have ketones in the urine no matter what they do.

redddssak · 02/05/2024 04:48

well since my growth scan and being told I might have gestational diabetes I have hugely cut carbs out I had some crisps as was in a rush but for a week since then ive not added sugar to things etc ive been having more eggs, cheese and avocado and trying to eat better

im at a loss with what I can do for now till I know/ cando the test but ive been trying to make changes to my diet

hopefully my gp let me speak to my mw tomorrow and I can ask her maybe even move the appointment sooner as its causing em huge anxiety but she said the waiting times are long for the test im having to wait 2 weeks, so doubt it

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JunkJane · 02/05/2024 09:31

@redddssak well that diet definitely explains the ketones in your urine. I would phone them up today and ask if there is anything you can do between now and the appointment to look after your health. I would also recommend you speak with them about how you've changed your diet recently. You can choose to follow any guidance they provide regarding your diet, but at least you'll get their professional opinion so you stay informed.

If you are determined to stay low carb (again, I wouldn't recommend keto or any diet really as I'm not a healthcare professional), be sure to track the food you are eating in an app like myfitnesspal so you can ensure you are hitting your calories, other macronutrient goals (protein and fat) and that you are eating food that are full of nutrients. Now is not the time to be trying for weight loss, but there is benefit to watching what you eat to ensure you are fuelling your body with nutrient dense food that will nourish and protect.

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