White or cloudy urine during pregnancy

Pregnancy can increase vaginal discharge, which may enter the urine sample and create a milky or cloudy appearance. Looking at colour alone cannot distinguish discharge from a urinary problem.

Morning urine or urine after limited drinking can be concentrated and may look darker or contain visible sediment. A clean-catch sample is useful because it reduces contamination from skin cells and discharge.

A urinary tract infection can present with burning, urgency, passing small amounts of urine, lower abdominal discomfort, or a stronger smell. Some infections in pregnancy cause few noticeable symptoms, which is why maternity urine checks may be offered.

Contact your midwife, obstetric clinician, or usual doctor to describe the change and any urinary symptoms. They may ask for a urine sample and decide whether testing for infection is needed.

Keep drinking normally if you have not been given a fluid restriction. Do not use leftover antibiotics, herbal urinary remedies, or medicines bought without advice during pregnancy; the safe choice depends on your pregnancy and the cause.

Seek same-day advice if cloudy urine occurs with fever, chills, pain in the back or side, vomiting, blood in urine, or feeling significantly unwell. These features can accompany a kidney infection.

Get urgent maternity advice for vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, severe abdominal pain, regular tightening, or reduced fetal movements at the stage when you normally feel them.

Ask how to collect the urine sample, whether a culture is needed, when you will receive results, and which symptoms require contact while you wait.