Q&A: Why Do I Have to Pee in a Cup at My Regular Checkup?

We know it’s not pleasant to have to pee in a cup at your regular OB appointment, but your doc is checking for some pretty important stuff in there. Your pee is how the doc checks that you’re not at risk for preeclampsia (too much protein in your urine could be the first sign of the disorder) or diabetes (she’ll see excess sugar in your urine). They’ll also check that you’re not dehydrated and don’t have a bacterial infection like a UTI (urinary tract infection). All of these, of course, keep both you and baby healthy, and even though all those pee tests are annoying, face it — you have to pee anyway!

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.