Pregnant w/ protein....

[LPNGirl07]

Hi, I'm a 27 yr. old female. I developed high BP after the birth of my daughter in 2002. I have taken BP meds to control it since. I am now pregnant w/ my 2nd child and am controlling the BP with Methyldopa. My BP has been a little high lately. Yesterday at my 1st prenatal visit, my OB said they found a small amount of protein in my urine, but said it could be due to dehydration, to drink more water. I noticed about 2 weeks ago, on 2 different occasions my urine was slightly foamy. My primary care phys. did blood work on me about 2 yrs. ago, and said my kidney function was normal then.

1. My questions are, what might cause a small amount of protein in early pregnancy? I'm only 4 1/2 weeks pregnant. 2. Could there be something wrong w/ my kidney function? 3. Where my BP has been a little high, would that cause some protein in the urine? Thanks!

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

Your questions are good ones and by no means too many. They are really more in the area of nephrology and obstetrics. I have requested that your questions be shifted to the gynecology forum. Your last question regarding proteinuria secondary to a urinary tract infection is a "yes." The true amount of protein in your urine can be best figured out by doing a 24 hour urine collection and your kidney function can also be calculated on that specimen. There are many causes for protein in urine and many false readings. Even vaginal discharge when it gets into the urine cup will give you a positive protein reading.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

[LPNGirl07]

Thanks Doctor, you were very helpful...

[LPNGirl07]

I would also like to add I went to a Primary care phys. today & had a urine test. I was told I had a bladder infection & given meds to clear it up. Will a bladder infection cause protein in urine?? Sorry so many questions....