Uric Acid in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

When you're pregnant, your body changes in ways you never expected—and uric acid, a waste product from breaking down purines in food and cells. Also known as serum urate, it's normally cleared by your kidneys. But during pregnancy, your body holds onto more of it, and that’s not always harmless. Most women see their uric acid levels rise naturally in the second and third trimesters. That’s normal. But if levels climb too high, it could be a warning sign—especially if you’re also swelling up, having headaches, or seeing blurry spots.

That’s where hyperuricemia, abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood comes in. It’s not a disease on its own, but it’s a red flag tied to preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and organ damage. Studies show that women who develop preeclampsia often have rising uric acid levels weeks before other symptoms show up. It’s not a diagnostic tool by itself, but doctors watch it like a thermometer for pregnancy trouble. And if you’ve had gout before pregnancy, your risk of flare-ups goes up—because pregnancy changes how your body handles gout, a painful joint inflammation caused by uric acid crystals building up.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to cut out all meat or beans just because you’re pregnant. But if you’re eating a lot of organ meats, shellfish, or sugary drinks with fructose, that’s extra uric acid your kidneys have to handle—on top of the natural pregnancy load. Drinking plenty of water helps. So does avoiding alcohol. And if your doctor says your levels are high, they’ll likely check your blood pressure, urine protein, and liver and kidney function—not just your uric acid number.

Some women worry about meds. The good news? Most uric acid-lowering drugs like allopurinol aren’t first-line in pregnancy. Your doctor will usually try lifestyle fixes first. If preeclampsia is the real concern, they’ll focus on monitoring you closely, not just lowering a number. The goal isn’t to make uric acid perfect—it’s to make sure you and your baby stay safe.

What you’ll find below are real, practical posts from women and doctors who’ve been there. You’ll see how uric acid links to other pregnancy issues like kidney strain, gestational diabetes, and even swelling that won’t go away. You’ll get clear advice on what to eat, what to avoid, and when to ask for help—no jargon, no fluff, just what matters.