I'm 30 weeks pregnant and my doctor told me I had a small amount of Protein in my urine. What causes that?

Question

My blood pressure is Normal and I have had no other issues so far in this pregnancy.

Answer 1

Protein in your urine during pregnancy is usually a sing of pre-eclampsia. There's nothing you can do to reverse it. Drinking enough water won't change it. Alone, the symptom can be nothing. However, when it is combined with above normal water retention, rapid weight gain and elevated blood pressure then it is pre-eclampsia.

I had pre-eclampsia with both of my pregnancies. The first time was more severe though. Pre-eclampsia doesn't effect the fetus, just you. But the effects can be severe.I was hospitalized with my first pregnancy with it at 21 weeks and stayed there until my daughter was born at 30 weeks.

During my second pregnancy, the protein started to show up right around 28 weeks but I wasn't hospitalized and I made it to 36 weeks.

Rest A LOT, keep your feet up and drink lots of water to reduce water retention. Sleep on your left side and do whatever your doctor says.

Good Luck.

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Answer 2

Why the test is performed Return to top

This test is most often performed when kidney disease is suspected. It may be used as a screening test.

Normally, protein is not found in urine when a routine dipstick test is performed. This is because the kidney is supposed to keep large molecules, such as protein, in the blood and only filter out smaller impurities. Even if small amounts of protein do get through, they are normally re-absorbed by the body and used as a source of energy.

Some proteins will appear in the urine if the levels of protein in blood become high, even when the kidney is functioning properly.

If the kidney is diseased, protein will appear in the urine -- even if the blood levels are normal.

Normal Values Return to top

For a spot check by dipstick: the normal values are approximately 0 to 8 mg/dl. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.
For a 24-hour test: the normal value is less than 150 mg per 24 hours.
Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal results may mean an increase in urine protein, and this may indicate:

Amyloidosis
Bacterial pyelonephritis
Bladder tumor
Congestive heart failure (inadequately perfusing the kidneys)
Diabetic nephropathy
Glomerulonephritis
Goodpasture's syndrome
Heavy metal poisoning
Lupus erythematosus
Malignant hypertension
Multiple myeloma
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotoxic drug therapy
Polycystic kidney disease
Preeclampsia
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Acute nephritic syndrome
Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)
Eclampsia
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)
Interstitial nephritis
Medullary cystic disease
Membranoproliferative GN I
Membranoproliferative GN II
Membranous nephropathy
Necrotizing vasculitis
Post-streptococcal GN
Rapidly progressive (crescentic) glomerulonephritis
Reflux nephropathy
Renal vein thrombosis
Rocky mountain spotted fever
What the risks are Return to top

There are no risks.

Special considerations Return to top

Interfering factors include:

Severe emotional stress
Strenuous exercise
Radiopaque contrast media within 3 days of the urine test
Urine contaminated with vaginal secretions

Answer 3

i believe it's related to kidney problems. then there's higher protein in urine sample. you should consult with your doctor. but don't get scared right away, in your case it could be just that you don't take enough fluids. drink more water so your system would clean up.

Answer 4

i had the same thing happen to me. she said that it could be from a lot of salt in your diet. your doctor should tell you about toxaemia. my doctor told me to stay off my feet, eat a bland diet and drink lots of water.

Answer 5

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