Pregnancy is the beginning of one the most fulfilling experiences. However, it is also challenging as you will find yourself in a very vulnerable position regarding your health. It is essential as you and your baby are one, so your health is their health and, therefore, a priority.
Urinalysis is one of the ways of determining the state of your overall health. Let’s talk more about this test, its importance to your pregnancy, and where you can go for comprehensive care in Syracuse, NY.
What Is a Urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a series of tests performed on your urine to detect various compounds with only a single sample. However, which tests you will undergo will depend on your condition, so you may not need each one.
There are other times a urinalysis will be made aside from during pregnancy. Your doctor may ask you to get this test during a check-up or before having surgery.
Why Is Urinalysis Important for Pregnancy?
Urinalysis can tell you many things about your health, which is very important during pregnancy. The results from this test can tell you if you are healthy. It can also lead to even more tests to find the source of a health concern.
Here are some aspects of your urine that may reveal vital information about your health:
Color
Several things can affect the color and appearance of your urine. Urine typically ranges from colorless to pale yellow to deep amber, but certain medications and foods can change it.
The presence of other substances, such as blood, can also affect it.
Appearance
The appearance of your urine can be affected by the presence of cells or substances. However, cloudiness is not an immediate sign of something wrong.
Skin cells can appear in your urine and make it cloudy, but these are harmless. The presence of bacteria is harmful, however, and can make your urine look unusual.
Chemical Presence
Chemicals in the urine can indicate what health conditions you have. For example, high amounts of protein may indicate heart failure or dehydration.
The presence of glucose in your urine, which should be zero, informs your doctor that you may have diabetes. A positive nitrite test result could also indicate a urinary tract infection.
Microscopic Substances
Microscopic substances in your blood can give you even more information on your health.
If your urine has high amounts of white blood cells, there may be inflammation in your urinary tract. Elevated numbers of epithelial cells, which line this body part, could indicate cancer.
In addition, parasites can contaminate your urine and may point to a sexually transmitted disease.
What Tests Are Included in a Urinalysis?
As mentioned previously, there are numerous tests included in a urinalysis. They check your urine for properties like:
- Color and appearance
- Chemical and other substances
- Microscopic substances
The provider examines the sample with the naked eye when checking for the color and appearance of your urine. They then observe whether it is pale or dark yellow and clear or cloudy.
Your doctor will also assess the chemical aspects of your urine. They will use test strips to indicate what substances are in your urine by changing color. This process happens thanks to the pads of chemicals that are part of the dipsticks.
The last aspect of your urine to be tested is the presence of microscopic substances. These may include:
- Bacteria or other germs
- Cells
- Crystals
- Cell fragments
- Mucus
- Urinary casts
Urogynecology in Syracuse, New York
The University OB/GYN Associates in Syracuse, NY, is dedicated to helping you have a healthy pregnancy. Our obstetricians, gynecologists, and maternal and fetal medicine specialists are some of the most caring and committed reproductive healthcare providers. They are more than ready to provide you with comprehensive care at this exciting stage of your life.
If you have more questions regarding our services, contact us at (315) 464-5162 to schedule an appointment. You may also use our convenient online request form to book a visit with a pregnancy physician near you.
Our doctors look forward to serving you!
