Ketones in urine?

[Maurine]

So my midwife says I have them in my urine, but a very small amount.  She said she wasn't concerned, but checked that I was drinking enough water (I drink at least 64 oz a day).  Any one else have any insights?  I'm not planning to worry about it, but should I?

[JollyGG]

How is your weight doing? I spilled ketones my entire pregnancy due to insufficient weight gain (or more accurately weight loss).

[Maurine]

I've gained 6 pounds and I am 16 weeks.  I think that's right on schedule?  I started out pretty normally, with a BMI of about 22.

[jillybeans]

it always happens to me when I've been busy and not paying too much attention to my water intake.  Usually my appt is late afternoon, over an hour away, and I'm running around trying to get kids ready so don't drink my usual.  She just scolds me and sends me on my way!  An increase in the spilling is where you'd get concerned.

[bumbold]

It could also be that you didn't eat enough that day.  I have had a little to a lot with both pregnancies.  With a lot they sent me off to have an iv with fluids but that was after not being able to keep down water for over 14 hours.  With a little they just said to eat something. 

I wouldn't worry with a little, it can vary from day to day just make sure you are eating and drinking as you body tells you to, oh and getting enough protein.

[Italiamom]

It's not just about eating enough, it's about eating enough at regular intervals.  Make sure you're well hydrated, and have eaten a good, high protein breakfast or lunch before your appointments!

[Maurine]

Hm, maybe I am having more of an issue eating than I thought!  I do have a problem getting enough protein (no where near what they say you should.  I don't eat much meat but I try to eat cottage cheese, greek yogurt, peanut butter, and nuts every day).  I'll keep a better eye on it (and my water intake) and see how it goes next appointment.  Thanks, ladies!!

[Chaika]

I just wanted to point out here that ketosis can sometimes be caused by eating *too much* protein, it can happen to people who are on low carb/high protein diets.  That doesn't sound like the issue for you, but I just wanted to note it because "eat more protein" may not be good advice for some people with this issue.  Mild ketosis is common during pregnancy, though, and if your midwife is not concerned it sounds like it must be pretty mild.

[Italiamom]

Originally Posted by Chaika 

I just wanted to point out here that ketosis can sometimes be caused by eating *too much* protein, it can happen to people who are on low carb/high protein diets.  That doesn't sound like the issue for you, but I just wanted to note it because "eat more protein" may not be good advice for some people with this issue.  Mild ketosis is common during pregnancy, though, and if your midwife is not concerned it sounds like it must be pretty mild.

I should probably amend my post to say, "eat something that includes protein."  I had this habit of rushing off to my appointments with DS1, and I'd grab a bagel, or a croissant, or something ridiculously NO protein, just so I could say, "yes, I just ate though..."  I didn't mean you had to eat a steak before your appointment...  I hear "high protein" and think more of things that include protein at all (not a fan of protein here either).  Just try to make sure you eat something with some protein that's healthy and well balanced.

[Milkymommi]

Right... but in the case of eating high protein/low carb, it's not the high protein that causes ketosis... it's high protein coupled with very low carbs. The more carbs you eat should lower the ketones spilling.  The presence of ketones is saying that your body is basically burning something other than carbs for fuel- your stored fat. You just may not be eating enough. Def focus on protein rich foods and balance with healthy carbs like veggies and sprouted grains or at least whole grains. If GD is an issue I would go for sprouted whole grains in modertation but you NEED some carbs. Like another mama suggested, make sure you get a good meal in before your appt's.

[jennyfah]

Originally Posted by Milkymommi 

Right... but in the case of eating high protein/low carb, it's not the high protein that causes ketosis... it's high protein coupled with very low carbs. The more carbs you eat should lower the ketones spilling.  The presence of ketones is saying that your body is basically burning something other than carbs for fuel- your stored fat. You just may not be eating enough. Def focus on protein rich foods and balance with healthy carbs like veggies and sprouted grains or at least whole grains. If GD is an issue I would go for sprouted whole grains in modertation but you NEED some carbs. Like another mama suggested, make sure you get a good meal in before your appt's.

When I actually researched the science behind Brewer's diet for pregnant women, I was surprised to learn that it's much more than just a high-protein diet.  Certainly, protein is very important in pregnancy for a variety of reasons, but the Brewer diet is also high in carbs and fats.  Adequate protein is just one marker of a high-quality diet. 

I thought this website was really interesting---lots of explanations about how the Brewer diet works and why he recommended what he did. 

http://www.drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/

[Milkymommi]

Indeed indeed!!! And with a 100% success rate in his practice... this diet is saving my life literally.

Maurine... keep us posted on any changes you make and your progress. Healthy body vibes to you!!!

[Maurine]

Awesome, thanks ladies!  I eats lots of carbs, but sometimes the bad kind.  Need to get more whole grains in!

[Milkymommi]

Balance. The wrong carbs turn to sugar. Whole grains are great but sprouted is best. There are a few brands of bread that you can usually find fairly easily in regular grocery stores. Ezekiel Bread ( usually in the freezer section where you would find "health foods" like morningstar farms products and the likes) and my total fave, Alverado Street, which carrys several breads, bagels, buns and tortillas. Totally owned by the people who work there too! If your grocer doesn't carry it, don't forget you can request it to be ordered. I think you may be able to order online but not sure