Dark urine is exactly what it sounds like – urine that is darker than normal. Although dark urine can be scary, it is very common during pregnancy due to a number of factors.

What is the reason of this?

In a word, dehydration. The more water a person drinks, the clearer its urine will be, and vice versa. However, dehydration during pregnancy can have several different causes, including:

Increased blood volume: During pregnancy, blood volume increases by up to 50%, so your water needs increase accordingly. If you weren't drinking enough water before getting pregnant, you'll likely need to increase your intake during pregnancy.

Increased need for urination: It is very common to notice an increased need for urination as your baby may be putting pressure on your bladder. If you urinate every 15 minutes but do not drink enough water to replenish your body's stores, you may notice dark colored urine.

Morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum: Vomiting dehydrates your body too much and if you always feel nauseous, it may be difficult to get as much water as you need.

Tips

If you notice dark colored urine, you should increase your water intake. Usually, adequate hydration will solve the problem and help turn your urine a more recognizable color.

If you're drinking plenty of water and still noticing dark urine, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider as it can recommend a treatment to get your fluids.