Strong urine smell in late pregnancy

[Marley]

Hello, I haven't logged on for a long time, almost 2 years! Back then we were trying for a bub. We finally hit the jackpot and I have 4 weeks to go.

I've had a great pregnancy, but something is going on with my urine. It really smells, very strong, and is quite unpleasant. I suppose 'ammonia' could be the closest, or a 'wheaty' smell. I know I don't have a UTI because I have been tested when I had a liver function test (not for this but for something else). The only thing that came up was that my protein levels (indicated by electrolytes) were a bit low, but only a bit, and not really that significant. I eat meat and salad or vege every day so I was a bit surprised. I also drink about 1.5 litres of water a day, maybe that's not enough? Other than that, I have been using Rennie for heartburn, but only max of about 6 a day, if that.

It is darkish or considerably yellow most of the time, and I go frequently (although always feel like I need to go again). I'm not in pain or anything and there is no burning sensation. I can smell it when I walk into our bedroom, and no matter how much I clean the toilet, I can still smell it in the bathroom. Admittedly, I don't flush after I go at night (about 5 times) until the morning otherwise I'll just wake my husband up all the time, so maybe that is making the smell worse (I keep the lid down). In the mornings when I wake up I can smell it on me! It's really bothering me. I have a doc appointment on 9th for a general, so I will ask her then. But anyone who has had this and knows what it is, please feel free to comment.

thanks

Marley.

[Olive]

do you drink coffee??

[Marley]

No, not often, maybe once a week I might have a milky coffee using half a teaspoon of instant in a full mug of milk. Tea would be about once every two days, if that.

[Olive]

mmmm not sure then, i know after a coffee that what my urine is like, maybe ring and ask your ob/midwife

[Marley]

I asked her the other day but she was not sure what it was. She suggested I drink more water and see if that helps. It's a bit embarrassing as I feel like people can smell it on me too

[fourthontheway]

it sounds like you're not getting enough fluid. You need to drink lots and lots of water coz your amniotic fluid is on some crazy replacement scheme every few hours atm

[Marley]

OK, I will, although I've been increasing it for the last two days but maybe I need to be a bit more patient. Thanks

[FabFiona]

I had this in my late PG. In fact, it was so bad that I was banished to using our en suite toilet!

I drank heaps of water and didn't drink tea or coffee.

I never got to the bottom of what it was, but just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.

[Marley]

Wow, well there you go! It is consoling to know it happened to someone else, although not that I would wish it upon anyone! Sorry that you were banished to the ensuite tho!!

Was it, by any chance, Summer at the time, and hot?

[FabFiona]

It was Oct and Nov so not too hot but there were some hot days.

[Miss E]

Just wondering if your DH smells it too... When I was preg I had a hightened sense of smell... Just a thought...

[Marley]

sorry, what is "DH"? It could be a heightened sense of smell, but I don't notice any other strong smells.

I think I will have to just drink like a fish for the next 2 weeks and see if that makes a dif. Bub is due soon, so I'll have plenty to think about.

many thanks all.

M

[AliB]

Have you been eating asparagus?? Or Jerusalem artichokes? (less likely!)

[didispunk]

Are you drinking enough water..

[AliB]

sorry, what is "DH"?

DH = Darling Husband

[Marley]

oh, ok. :-) No, he hasn't mentioned it, but he tens to use the other bathroom.

no, not eating any asparagus or artichokes. I'm trying to drink heaps of water, but finding it hard as I keep forgetting!.

I think that's the trick though, keep the H20 up. I'm happy with the advice I have received, so thank you all.

Marley

[AliB]

Marley LOL I'm afraid the advice won't stop now you've asked... in another 2 years time somebody will find this thread and reply with ideas of why your wee smells!!!

[Marley]

You made me laugh! Yes, I get that impression, but it's lovely that people still want to help. I guess it's not just for me but for others in a similar situation. Although, having said that, how do you close a posting?