Bright Yellow Urine in Pregnancy and Other Common Concerns
Summary: Every new symptom in a pregnancy can result in feelings of anxiety. This is especially true in a first pregnancy, or a pregnancy following a difficult outcome.

Every new symptom in a pregnancy can result in feelings of anxiety. This is especially true in a first pregnancy, or a pregnancy following a difficult outcome. Most symptoms you experience during your pregnancy are common symptoms that should not cause concern. Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions during pregnancy.


Does Bright Yellow Urine Indicate a Problem During Pregnancy?

The color of your urine can indicate a potential problem. However, bright yellow urine is usually caused by taking prenatal vitamins or other supplements. Vitamin B-12 is known to cause bright yellow urine. Certain supplements may cause urine to become neon yellow. Some foods, such as asparagus, can temporarily change the color of urine to a brighter yellow. Bright yellow urine is not a sign that something is wrong; it is generally caused by a dietary change.

Dark yellow urine can indicate dehydration. Urine gets its yellow color from a pigment called urochrome. When you are dehydrated, your urine has a higher concentration level of this pigment. Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body, and your urine will return to its normal color. Most color changes in urine are temporary and not a cause for concern.


Am I Pregnant?

A missed period may lead you to believe that you are pregnant. The most effective way to determine a pregnancy is to have your healthcare provider complete a blood or urine pregnancy test. Blood tests are the most reliable, but either test can yield reliable results. Home pregnancy tests are reliable when used correctly. Occasionally, they do offer false negative results.

An abnormal period may indicate a pregnancy. Many women spot lightly during fertilization and assume that the spotting is a light period. Any variations of your period could potentially be caused by pregnancy.


What Are Pregnancy Signs?

Pregnancy signs are symptoms associated with pregnancy. Many women experience the same symptoms during pregnancy, so these symptoms are known as signs of pregnancy. Some common symptoms are:

• Enlarged, tender breasts.

• Morning sickness, which includes nausea and vomiting.

• Fatigue. Many women feel exhausted and worn out during pregnancy.

• Feeling faint, dizzy, or light-headed.

• Unusual cravings. You may have strong cravings for a particular food that you normally wouldn’t want to eat.

• Weight gain. However, you may experience weight loss in the early stages of pregnancy due to morning sickness.

• Skin changes and stretch marks.


Is it Safe to Dye My Hair during Pregnancy?

There are no reliable scientific studies that indicate whether hair dye may cause harm during pregnancy. You may want to stop coloring your hair during pregnancy to avoid any possible side effects hair dye could have on your unborn child. If you do choose to use hair dye during pregnancy, then there are some precautions you can take. Always wear gloves while applying hair dye, if you dye your own hair. Have a friend or spouse do it for you, if possible. Avoid rubbing the color onto your scalp. Wash hair dye out as soon as you can while still achieving your desired color. Highlights may be a better option, because they involve less scalp contact. A temporary hair glaze may better than an actual hair dye.


Can I Use a Hot Tub or Sauna while Pregnant?

Many doctors recommend avoiding hot tub and sauna use during pregnancy. The March of Dimes published a study that suggests a body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more during the first month of pregnancy may increase the risk of neural tube defects, and problems with closure of the baby’s spinal cord and skull. Just as hot tubs raise your temperatures, so do fevers. Contact your health care provider if you have a fever of 100 degrees or higher.


Is Dental Work Safe during Pregnancy?

Dental work that uses local anesthesia is generally not considered to pose a threat during pregnancy. However, x-rays are not safe during pregnancy. If you absolutely must have an x-ray, make sure that your abdomen is covered with a protective guard. Most providers will not perform an x-ray on a pregnant woman.


Can I Have My Period While Pregnant?

A period is part of the menstrual cycle that involves shedding the lining of the uterus, which happens every 28 days on average. A period cannot happen during a pregnancy. However, some women bleed lightly when fertilization occurs. Those women may mistake this bleeding for a light period.


Will Sleeping on My Back Harm My Unborn Baby?

Your choice of sleeping position generally does not affect the baby. However, some women experience light-headedness or dizziness when sleeping on their backs. If your baby is growing slowly, try sleeping on your left side. Blood flows to the baby better when you sleep on your left side.


What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy at risk for serious complications. Risk factors can be grouped into the following categories: OB History, Medical History, Physical Risk, and Current Pregnancy risk factors.

OB History risk factors include: previous stillbirth, previous premature baby, repeated miscarriages, post-term baby greater than 42 weeks, previous baby weighing more than 10 pounds, and a history of preeclampsia or fetal abnormalities.

Medical History risk factors include: heart disease, renal disease, epilepsy, pulmonary disease, thyroid disease, sickle cell disease, insulin-dependent diabetes, chronic hypertension, and abnormal Pap test results.

Physical risk factors can include: incompetent cervix, uterine abnormalities, small pelvis, maternal weight of under 100 pounds or over 200 pounds, and a maternal age of 35 years or greater.

Current pregnancy risk factors include: placenta previa, placenta abruption, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, kidney or bladder infections, alcohol or drug use, vaginal bleeding, abnormal fetal position, too much or too little amniotic fluid, and multiple births.