What is the purpose of antenatal urine testing?

Q: I am 30 weeks pregnant. During my last visit for a check up, antenatal urine testing was carried out. On passing urine in the strip given, which is light yellow and green colour (2 different portions), the light green colour part turned brown. What does this imply? The midwife who checked it said its ok but I want to know why the colour changed? Does this indicate any kind of infection?

A:There are many diagnostic strips to detect substances in urine such as sugar, protein etc. Unless we know which strip was used, it is not possible to give you accurate information. Typically the yellow and green coloured strips are for detecting protein and sugar respectively. In this strip when green turns brown, it shows the presence of sugar and hence diabetes. However you should find out which strip was used.