Understanding Ketonuria in Labor and Its Implications

Ketonuria—it's a term that might sound complex, but understanding its significance in labor can make all the difference in maternal and fetal health. So, let’s unpack this a bit. When we talk about ketonuria, we're referring to the presence of ketones in a mother’s urine during labor. Now, hold on—why does this matter? Well, it often indicates that the body is running low on carbohydrates, leading to the breakdown of fats for energy instead. This shift isn’t ideal because it can cause a range of issues for both mother and baby.