what does it mean when you have protein in your urine at 38 weeks?

Answer 1

Could be pre-eclampsia. Talk to your doctor about the next step and make sure you are being monitored very closely. At 38 weeks you can also ask about the possibility of being induced if your doctor is seriously concerned.

Answer 2

Protein in your urine usually means one of two things and It would be useful to know how much there is. Proteinuria is sometimes a sign of a urine infection (UTI) and is sometimes (but not always) accompanied by blood and or Leucocytes. A trace or 1+ is usually not that significant and tends not to grow bacteria to an extent that you need antibiotics. In fact if you send a sample off to the lab the result will come back as no growth or mixed growth with a suggestion to repeat it. In this case some Doctors will not always send a specimen to the lab and suggest you drink something like Cranberry juice or Lemon barley water or even just to increase your fluids. 2+ or more will quite often grow significant organisms and you will require antibiotics. Sometimes there are some signs of lower abdo/back pain as well. Urine Infections are known to be a cause of premature labour which is one of the reasons treatment is required. Proteinuria can also be a sign of Pre-eclampsia (eclampsia meanig fits) and can be associated with rising blood pressure and Oedema (swelling). There are other signs as well, such as upper right abdo pain (sometimes feeling like indigestion) and visual disturbances although these tend to be later signs. If your blood pressure is creeping up (a figure of for example 140+/85+ or less if your blood pressure was low at booking) a closer eye will be kept on you and you may need to have some blood tests (usually Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and Uric acid). If pre-eclampsia is evident there is nothing to be gained from continuing at 38 weeks and some Obstetricians would aiim to induce you, as the only real prevention is delivery of the placenta. This would prevent things from getting worse.

Answer 3

Throughout your pregnancy your urine is monitored for protein as a positive test can suggest that you are in early stages of Pre Eclampsia, so long as your blood pressure is normal and you have no severe swelling try not to worry too much.

Answer 4

Dont worry, I have had traces of protien in my urine as well as sporadic blood traces right through my pregnancy - i've been fit and well and the midwife told me that some women just do. If there was cause for concern then the hospital would have told you straight away - they dont leave you hanging for important things - its the little things they forget we dont already know.

Answer 5

During pregnancy your blood preasure will be checked at each antenatal app. This is because hig blood preasure is a sign of pre eclampsia, accupanied by protien. PET - Pregnancy induced Hypertension PIT - Pre eclamptic toxemia. it affects about 10% of pregnancies. this can sometimes cause headaches vision, swelling, and tummy pain. it can be sever also with no symtoms. most cases cause no problems and a pregnancy can continue normally. it can cause fits in the mother and affect the babys growth. hense why routine checks are important. treatment can range from rest at home to drugs in hospital to lower your blood preasure............occasionaly it riquires early delivery of baby..............take it easy and relax your midwife will keep you right.

Answer 6

it usually means pre eclampsia. if you have only just developed it it will probably only be mild, where as if you had it early on its likely to become serious. your DR/midwife will keepan eye on it and your blood pressure as thats usually i sign too.if it gets worse they will probably have to induce you as birth is the only way it will go.
however seeing as you are 38 weeks they will probably not do anything..if you get worse or your blood pressure gets too high they might not let you hang on too much after your due date.
i had mild pre- eclampsia and high blood pressure towards the end of my pregnancy and was not allowed passed my due date,i had a membrane sweep at 38 weeks and gave birth a few days later.
goodluck to you
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Answer 7

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Answer 8

if its too much it means you have pre preeclamsia, preeclampsia, or toxemia.

They will either put you on bedrest and monitor you very closely, or go ahead and induce you.

Its basically a sign that your kidneys and liver are shutting down do to the stress of the pregnancy, and your body is becoming toxic and you risk severe sickness and if untreated and if not relieved by bed rest or delivery, irreverible damage and in rare cases, death.

But they monitor you so closely that nothing bad can happen if you go along with them.

Answer 9

OMGOSH my friend called my today, she has the same thing, I'm so worried, I don't know what to do, her doctor just told her to lay off of salt,except normal in-take and to see him once a week, I'm really worried because I have another friend who lost twins to
preeclampsia & my friend has already been through enough with two misscarriages.....let me know what other info you find out!!!!

Answer 10

That could be a sign of pre-eclampsia. If it isn't a lot, that is okay. You will be monitored as your pre-natal check-ups are a week apart now.