Urine Testing In Pregnancy

How Is A Urine Test Performed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you to collect a small sample of clean, midstream  or first stream urine in
a sterile plastic cup. Chemically prepared testing strips are dipped into your sample of urine to screen
for certain indicators. More in-depth analysis may be done by having your urine sample assessed by a
laboratory.



When Are Urine Tests Performed?

We routinely screen for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea by a first stream sample during the first trimester and
at 36 weeks of pregnancy.  We recommend a midstream urine sample at approximately 18-20 weeks to
screen for an asymptomatic urinary tract infection.  At every appointment we ask client to check their own
urine in the bathroom with the dipsticks provided.  Clients will be instructed on how to do this.  At any time
when a urinary tract infection is suspected a urine sample may be requested.



What Does The Urine Test Look For?

A urine tests is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and preeclampsia by
screening for high levels of sugars, proteins, ketones and bacteria. High levels of sugars may suggest
gestational diabetes, which may develop around the 20th week of pregnancy. Higher levels of protein
may suggest a possible urinary tract infection, or kidney disease. Preeclampsia may be a concern if
higher levels of protein are found later in pregnancy, combined with high blood pressure.



What Can Urine Test Results Reveal?

Sugar: Sugar in your urine does not mean you are diabetic. It is normal for your kidneys to leak sugar
from your bloodstream into your urine.

Protein: Protein found in your urine indicates a problem in kidney function such as an infection. If protein
is found in your urine late in pregnancy this may be a sign of preeclampsia.

Ketones: Ketones occur when your body is breaking down fats instead of carbohydrates for energy. High
levels of ketones indicate that you are not getting enough to eat or if you are dehydrated.

Bacteria: Bacteria in your urine is a sign of a urinary tract infection. Your healthcare provider may retrieve
a second urine sample collected through a catheter before determining the type of antibiotics needed.



Collecting A Urine Sample

Your midwife or another healthcare professional should give you a container and explain how you should collect the
urine sample. 

You can collect a urine sample at any time of day, unless your midwife GP advises you otherwise.
The types of urine sample you might be asked for include a random specimen, first morning specimen or timed
collection.



To Collect a Clean Urine Sample:

Label the container with your name, date of birth and the date.
Wash your hands wipe with the antiseptic wipe from front to back if a mid stream sample is requested 
start to urinate, but don’t collect the first part of urine that comes out
(unless a first stream sample is requested).
Collect a sample of urine "mid-stream" (see below) in a sterile screw-top container
screw the lid of the container shut, wash your hands thoroughly.



What Is A Mid-stream Urine Sample?

A mid-stream urine sample means that you don’t collect the first or last part
of urine that comes out. This reduces the risk of the sample being contaminated
with bacteria from:

Your hands 
The skin around the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) 



What Is A First Stream Urine Sample?

A first stream sample means that you collect the first part of the urine that comes out.  We routine ask
clients to do a first stream urine sample to screen for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea during pregnancy.



Storing A Urine Sample Until You Hand It In

If you can’t hand your urine sample in within an hour, you should keep it in the fridge at around 4C (39F) for no
longer than 24 hours. Put the container of urine in a sealed plastic bag first. If the urine sample isn’t kept in a fridge,
the bacteria in it can multiply. If this happens, it could affect the test results.
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