Urinalysis (urine testing)

A urine sample will be tested at every antenatal visit for;

Glucose

Why? This may be a sign of gestational diabetes. However more midwives are not testing urine routinely for glucose but are instead taking a random glucose blood sample at booking and at 28 weeks.

Protein

Why? Protein may indicate pre-eclampsia. If protein is detected the quantity is recorded with plus signs: + means a trace, ++ means more than a trace and +++ means a significant amount.

Ketones

Why? These chemicals are produced by the body when fat-burning mechanisms aren't working properly. This may happen if the woman has got gestational diabetes, is not eating enough, or has 'mornning' sickness.

If ketones are detected the quantity is recorded with plus signs: + means a trace, ++ means more than a trace and +++ means a significant amount. NAD means - nothing abnormal detected.

Leucocytes

These are white cells that fight infection. Presence may indicate infection.

Any samples that indicate the presence of the above should be sent to the lab for analysis.