24 hour urine test...what are they checking for????

so today i went for my weekly check up...i am 30 weeks...for the past few weeks i either have had traces of protein or protein in my urine...so i will do the 24 hour urine test...what are they checking for? i assume it cant be for pre-eclampsia since i always have perfect blood preasure. the doctor was very short and i didnt get to ask any questions. has anyone else had to do this and what were they checking for ...and what did it turn out to be????????????????????????

[faye83]

Preeclampsia

[adgal]

I am scared to ask, but what do you have to do exactly for a 24 hour urine test....please God, tell me there isn't some test coming up where I have to hold it for that long?  Lord help me if it's anything like that....arrgghh!

I had never heard of this one, but good luck to you!!!  

[etts172]

It is not unusual to see protein in our urine. If the dr.see traces of protein then there might be pre-eclampsia. I had preeclampsia with my first son 8 years ago and deliver my son through ceasarean section at 32 weeks because my son was in distress , and now I am 27 weeks pregnant and was taking metyldopa 250mgs.twice a day, my blood pressure was in controll now and I am looking for possible GD so next week I will have my blood check for GD. Hope it helps.

[tricia448]

hey adgal,
you are too funny...lol
my ob office gave me a huge jug and for 24 hours i need to save my urine for them to  test it.
i am confused because i am know most people will say its checking for preeclampsia....but i dont have high blood preasure...its always been perfect...from what i just read online preeclampsia is the most common thing its checked for...but also kidney function and infections in the kidney....hopefully its nothing.....

[spade22]

Yes, they are likely checking your average protein levels over a 24h period to see if you are "spilling protein" into your urine which is a sign that your kidneys are working as well as they should be.  "Spilling protein" is one symptom of pre-eclampsia and can, in some cases, present before elevated BP does.  The doctor is doing the prudent thing and monitoring you appropriately.  I have my fingers crossed for you.