In most cases, strong-smelling urine during pregnancy can be due to diet, dehydration, and prenatal vitamins. It can also happen as a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or indicate gestational diabetes.
During pregnancy, a person may notice that their urine smells different than usual.
This could indicate that a person is dehydrated, be a result of the prenatal vitamins a person takes, or indicate an underlying UTI or other condition like gestational diabetes
In the early weeks of pregnancy, a person may develop a heightened sense of smell, called hyperosmia.
Ammonia is found naturally in the urine, but it does not usually give off a strong smell. However, a pregnant person may become more aware of a faint smell of ammonia that they did not previously notice.
During pregnancy, many people experience food cravings. Sudden dietary changes can cause the urine to smell different.
Certain foods contain nutrients and vitamins that may cause strong-smelling urine. These foods
- asparagus
- garlic
- onions
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is important that pregnant people eat well, as it can help the body handle the changes associated with pregnancy.
Along with eating a balanced diet, a person can take prenatal vitamins that will likely contain the following vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins and supplements, especially those containing vitamin B6, can cause changes in the smell of urine.
When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys have less fluid available to dilute the urine, resulting in concentrated, stronger-smelling urine.
If a person does not drink enough water, the body will be unable to produce as much urine as usual. Urine will likely be darker than usual and might be bubbly.
Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing a UTI. Around 8% of pregnant people develop urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause strong-smelling urine.
Aside from the effects on urine odor, UTIs also cause:
- painful or burning urination
- sudden, intense urge to urinate
- dark or cloudy urine
- pelvic or lower abdominal pain
UTIs can
It is important for pregnant people to talk with a doctor if they suspect they have a UTI to help prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm delivery.
Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It is more common in the second and third trimesters.
A person with gestational diabetes may notice that their urine smells sweet. They may also experience:
- increased thirst
- frequent need to urinate
- dry mouth
- tiredness
- genital itching or thrush
Although a person may not be able to prevent their urine from changing how it smells during pregnancy, they can take steps to prevent dehydration and UTIs.
The ACOG suggests that a pregnant person drink 8 to 12 cups of water each day. This equals 64 to 96 ounces of water. Drinking plenty of water can:
- aid digestion
- help nutrients circulate in the body
- help form the amniotic fluid around the fetus
- help waste leave the body through the urine
A person can also take the
- Urinate after sexual activity.
- Remain hydrated.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Avoid using douches, sprays, or powders near the genitals.
It is also important to urinate when a person feels the urge. Holding in urine for too long can increase the risk of developing a UTI and
A person may not require treatment as the strong-smelling urine will resolve when a person remains hydrated or no longer needs to take prenatal vitamins.
However, if a person develops a UTI, they will require a 5- to 7-day course of antibiotics. A doctor may prescribe cephalexin or nitrofurantoin.
Gestational diabetes often resolves after a person has given birth. However, during the pregnancy, they will need to be closely monitored. A person can take steps to manage their blood sugar during this time by eating a balanced diet and exercising. If this does not work after 1 to 2 weeks, a doctor may prescribe metformin or insulin.
Urine that smells like ammonia is not typically a sign of an STI.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cranberry juice and cranberry supplements may help prevent the risk of recurrent UTIs in healthy individuals. However, they stress that the research is limited and inconsistent.
The authors of a 2025 narrative review note that probiotics in fermented foods may indirectly prevent UTIs. However, they also state that despite these effects, there is not enough evidence to provide a direct link between the consumption of probiotics and the prevention of UTIs.
Probiotics are safe during pregnancy.
A pregnant person may notice that their urine smells different than usual. This can be because of a heightened sense of smell during the early weeks of pregnancy or because they are dehydrated. It can also be a result of a person’s diet or the use of prenatal vitamins.
In some cases, strong-smelling urine can indicate a UTI, and sweet-smelling urine can indicate gestational diabetes. If a person suspects either of these conditions, they should contact a doctor to receive appropriate treatment.