Urinary Metabolites during Pregnancy: A Literature Review

Urinary metabolites provide information regarding metabolic changes and environmental exposure throughout pregnancy. A narrative literature review was conducted by using PubMed and Web of Science. Included studies enrolled pregnant women aged ≥18 years and analyzed urinary metabolites in relation to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) or trimester of pregnancy. Environmental and dietary exposures were also considered. Thirteen studies met the criteria. Women with a higher prepregnancy BMI have unique urinary metabolite profiles, including lower levels of glucogenic amino acids and long-chain acylcarnitines, reflecting disturbances in amino acid and lipid metabolism. The third trimester was marked by elevated urinary cortisol, carboxylic acids, glycerolipids, and steroid derivatives. Environmental exposures such as diet, phthalates, metals, and parabens were linked to distinct urinary metabolite patterns. More comprehensive analyses of urinary metabolites during pregnancy in diverse populations are needed to identify early metabolic risks and develop targeted prenatal interventions to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.