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Maternal Ketonuria Linked to Preterm Birth Risk: Study Finds Optimal Carbohydrate Intake Thresholds

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— 1 min read

A recent study published in the Nutrition and Health journal has shed light on the association between maternal ketonuria and pregnancy outcomes, particularly preterm birth. Researchers from the National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center in Japan assessed 349 pregnant women and found that ketonuria prevalence was 12.6% (mild), 1.7% (moderate), and 2.3% (severe). The study revealed that ketonuria was associated with higher prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), smoking history, and increased preterm birth risk. Notably, first-trimester ketonuria significantly increased preterm birth risk (adjusted OR 5.76; 95% CI [1.73-19.1]; = .004).

Key Takeaways:

  • Maternal ketonuria is independently associated with preterm birth, with a significant increase in risk in the first trimester (adjusted OR 5.76; 95% CI [1.73-19.1]; = .004).
  • Ketonuria prevalence was 12.6% (mild), 1.7% (moderate), and 2.3% (severe) among the 349 pregnant women assessed.
  • Adequate trimester-specific carbohydrate intake may help prevent ketonuria, highlighting its importance in prenatal care.
  • The research identified carbohydrate intake thresholds predicting moderate/severe ketonuria as 187 g (first trimester), 170 g (second), and 143 g (third).
  • The study adjusted for confounders, including prepregnancy BMI, smoking, blood pressure, hemoglobin, and glucose levels.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Nutrition and Health journal.

Statistics:

  • Ketonuria prevalence among the 349 pregnant women: 12.6% (mild), 1.7% (moderate), and 2.3% (severe).
  • First-trimester ketonuria significantly increased preterm birth risk (adjusted OR 5.76; 95% CI [1.73-19.1]; = .004).
  • Carbohydrate intake thresholds predicting moderate/severe ketonuria: 187 g (first trimester), 170 g (second), and 143 g (third).
  • The study included 349 pregnant women and was conducted at the National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center in Japan.

Sources:

  • The impact of maternal ketonuria with pregnancy outcome and optimal carbohydrate intake in pregnant women. Nutrition and Health, 2025:2601060251383015. (Sage Publications - www.sagepub.com/; Nutrition and Health - nah.sagepub.com)
  • NewsRx. Findings from National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center in the Area of Nutrition and Health Described (The impact of maternal ketonuria with pregnancy outcome and optimal carbohydrate intake in pregnant women). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 1173.

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