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On an average we pass approximately four to six cups of urine a day. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the frequency of urination largely due to the pressure placed on the bladder by the growing belly. We do not tend to really notice the color or clarity of our urine unless there is a marked change in the odor or appearance. If you are pregnant and notice any changes in your urine such as an unusually cloudy appearance, it is important to consult with your doctor at the earliest. While in most cases, the problem can be easily treated; cloudy urine can be a sign of some potentially harmful medical conditions that may affect your health and your baby’s.

Causes

Cloudy urine is generally a temporary condition and can be caused by a number of reasons such as:

• Hormonal changes
• Dehydration
• Dietary changes
• Allergic reactions
• Certain medications such as water-soluble vitamins
• Unusual vaginal discharges during pregnancy

Cloudy urine during pregnancy may also be a sign of more serious medical conditions such as:

• Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea
• Urinary tract infection
• Kidney problems
• Diabetes
• Proteinuria or excessive amounts of protein could turn the urine cloudy and is a symptom of a life-threatening condition known as preeclampsia (or pregnancy induced hypertension)

If cloudy urine occurs for a day or two at the maximum, it is normally not a cause for worry. However, if the urine continues to be cloudy for a couple of days along with other symptoms such fever, pelvic pain, burning or pain during urination, foul smelling odor, blood in the urine, or excessive vaginal discharge, an urgent medical diagnosis and treatment is necessary.

Treatment and Home Remedies

• If the cause of the cloudy urine is a benign reason such as certain foods or medications, the obvious conclusion is to stop having these food items or medications. Foods like beets or carrot can affect the color of your urine but the change is generally temporary. If you find that your medications are consistently causing cloudy urine, speak to your doctor about changing the prescription if this continues to bother you.
• To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. Caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks can cause further dehydration and should be avoided during pregnancy.
• There are cases where urine may turn cloudy during pregnancy due to the excessive vaginal discharge produced. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can create extra vaginal discharge that is harmless. If you take a urine test, some of the discharge may mix with the urine and give it a cloudy appearance. As long as the discharge is odorless and clear in color, it is nothing to worry about.
• If you suspect that the cause of the cloudy urine is a STI, your partner and you need to be tested immediately. A sexually transmitted infection can harm the baby and affect your pregnancy; so the faster you confirm the diagnosis and receive the proper treatment, the lesser the risks involved.
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes need constant monitoring and medication during pregnancy. There is also a tendency for women to develop a condition known as gestational diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy and the symptoms tend to disappear after delivery. Irrespective of the type of diabetes, it is important to maintain blood sugar levels and keep a check on your intake of foods high in sugars and carbohydrates.
• A urinary tract infection is a common problem during pregnancy and often causes cloudy urine. Apart from drinking plenty of water to flush out the infection, you should maintain high levels of hygiene at all times. Wash the genitals properly and always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Do not use soaps, shower gels and lotions that may aggravate the irritation and wear cotton underwear to allow the air to move freely and prevent excessive perspiration. An excellent home remedy to treat a urinary tract infection is to drink plenty of cranberry juice. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and also work as a diuretic to help flush out the infection. Another home remedy for a bladder infection is to drink a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda. This concoction can change the pH levels of your blood and remove the infection. Herbal oils such as sandalwood, bergamot, juniper, and tea tree can be mixed along with carrier oil and applied to the bladder area until symptoms subside.
• If the cause of the cloudy urine is not a urinary tract infection, you can try apple cider vinegar diluted in water. This daily habit can prevent your urine from turning acidic and cloudy.

Just remember that home remedies for a UTI when pregnant should be administered carefully. Always check with your doctor before starting any new treatment.

References

1. http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/urinary_tract_infections/urinary_tract_infections.htm
2. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2010/June/urine-color-and-odor-changes