protein in urine

[Aubree23]

Is this normal this is the 2nd time this week?

[Aubree23]

Thanks ladies!

[nikkimamaofthree]

I had a lot of protein in my urone. My doc said it shows that I need to drink more water. It can also indicated bladder infection but no worries for that unless it hurts to pee or if there is blood in your urine.

[HannahJohnson]

Having small amounts of protein in your urine is common in pregnancy. It can happen for a number of reasons. It probably just means that your kidneys are working harder now that you're pregnant.

It could also mean that your body is fighting a minor infection. Your midwife may send a sample of your urine to the hospital to check if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have a UTI, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe to take in pregnancy.

Testing for protein in your urine (proteinuria) is a routine test that your midwife will do at everyantenatal appointment. 

Your midwife will add your proteinuria levels to your maternity notes. The lowest is marked as a trace level, and anything higher is marked as one or more pluses. Ask your midwife to explain the result if you're not sure what it means for you.

Depending on the proteinuria levels, your midwife may bring forward your next antenatal appointment. She'll check again to see if there's still protein present, and whether the amount has increased. 

Your midwife be especially vigilant about protein in your urine if you are in the second half of your pregnancy. At this stage, it may be a sign that you're developing pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious condition. 

Pre-eclampsia can increase your blood pressure and affect how your well your kidneys filter your blood. Proteins that should stay in your blood leak into your urine, causing proteinuria. 

If your urine sample contains high levels of protein, and your blood pressure is raised, your midwife may take a blood sample. This will check your blood count, clotting, kidney and liver function.

If your midwife is concerned about your proteinuria levels, or any other symptoms you have, she may send you straight to your local maternity unit for more tests. You should get the results within four hours. If the proteinuria is found to be at safe levels, you'll be able to go home again. But if there are still concerns, you will need to stay for further monitoring. 

Keep an eye out for other symptoms of pre-eclampsia from mid-pregnancy onwards, including:
Eyesight problems, such as blurring or flashing.Sudden swelling of your hands, feet or face.Severe headache that doesn't go away after taking paracetamol, with vomitingA bad pain just below your ribs, or heartburn that's not relieved by antacids.
These symptoms can come on quickly. Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice any of them. This is especially the case from 27 weeks of pregnancy, or in the first few weeks after giving birth.