Spilling ketones

Whitfry · October 2014

So I had my a/s today, and it went great. However, my urine sample showed I was spilling ketones and fairly dehydrated. And now my OB wants to do a 28 week ultrasound. So this all has me feeling a little concerned.

It had been several hours since I'd eaten and I had been feeling dizzy. I was told to eat some protein and drink more water, both of which I did and have been doing.

I guess my concern/question (that I forgot to ask) is if spilling ketones means I have or will develop GD. I feel like such a noob, but Dr. Google didn't have any answers I found very useful.

My OB didn't really seem very concerned, but it seems like a 28 week u/s is only done if there's something wrong, so I'm feeling a little worried. Not worried enough to bug the OB after hours, but worried enough to post here to see if anyone else has any experience or more knowledge about this than I do.

I have some strips at home that will measure ketones, and plan to test myself tomorrow just to see if I'm still spilling.

Anybody have any experience or feedback they'd like to share?

Whitfry · October 2014

And I just tested and it said trace amounts. So maybe my panties are in a wad over nothing.

selena61307 · October 2014

I always have ketones. No matter how much I hydrate or the amount of protein I eat my iron is low I have ketones and I am dehydrated. If it is all mild I wouldn't worry. If the numbers were really bad you would have gotten a lecture and a threat to the hospital for fluids.

mangomimosa · October 2014

Really it's a sign of dehydration. I wouldn't worry about GD unless you're also spilling glucose & have been told you need to worry about GD. Ketones from diabetes are a sign of seriously out of control diabetes--not going to be the first/only sign for most people. An otherwise healthy pregnant person with ketones just needs to drink a ton of water!

sfm88 · October 2014

I had the same happen & my doctor said I needed to drink more water & eat more carbs! Not sure how carbs would affect it but that's what she told me.

mangomimosa · October 2014

sfm88 said:
I had the same happen & my doctor said I needed to drink more water & eat more carbs! Not sure how carbs would affect it but that's what she told me.

Ketones can mean you are burning fats instead of sugar for energy - so eat more carbs will give you more fuel!

ETA - BUT (IIRC) usually in pregnancy ketones are a sign of dehydration only, not a lack of carbs. Dehydration concentrates your urine so the small amount of normal ketones show up as much higher than they truly are. If you're well hydrated& still showing ketones, then you might add more carbs. And rule out diabetes issues. (I'm rusty on this but think this is generally correct!)

djoliet · October 2014

Its a sign of dehydration. If they were concerned about GD, they woild mention it and probably make you test early and not wait the normal 28 weeks. I agree with the PP about ketones being a concern if you're GD is out of control. I've been having trouble with my GD and I was sent ketone strips with my diabetes supplies I received in the mail. Try not to stress to bad about it

northerngirl11 · October 2014

I mostly lurk however recently had high amounts of ketones in my urine. Dr was concerned due to high heart rate at my n/t scan as well as in the office two weeks later

northerngirl11 · October 2014

Sorry on mobile posted too soon.. I was extremely dehydrated and it took about a week to see a difference in myself and another week in the baby. I was dizzy weak and extreme head aches. Hope you get answers!

adoo · October 2014

From my understanding, spilling ketones could mean you are not eating enough carbs and your body is burning fat instead of sugar. I was diagnosed with GD at about 11 weeks (now 19 weeks tomorrow), and I have lost about 15 pounds in my pregnancy. They were worried I was spilling ketones and the weight loss could have been from me burning fat, they also continued to tell me I was not eating enough carbs which I completely don't understand but fine I will have more carbs lol I guess I shouldn't really complain. When I finally tested my ketones I wasn't spilling any.

So with all that, I wouldn't worry about GD unless your doctor has brought up concerns about it.

Whitfry · October 2014

Thanks guys! You've all been incredibly reassuring. I have a history with disordered eating, so I sometimes struggle not to restrict calories. And I was definitely not drinking enough this week. I've been much more focused on hydration today. Don't want to hurt myself or LO!

Thanks for your support and responses, I feel a lot better.

cafecreme · October 2014

Same thing happened to me at my last appointment. They didn't seem concerned- just to eat and drink a little more. I admit, I don't eat or drink very much in the morning. I wouldn't worry.