Protein in urine - what does it mean?

[BrightSparkles]

As the title suggests, what does protein in urine mean? There was a little bit in my test today and I had it right through with DD but never really knew what it means or how it can affect the baby/pregnancy.
What causes it and can you do anything to prevent it???

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

I think its a warning marker for preeclampsia - don't quote me of course, but I'm pretty sure its one of the first signs. If you had it all through your last preg though, it may just be normal for you

[briggsy's girl]

it can be a sign of early pre-eclampsia so they just monitor it. it's one of several signs (including elevated BP) - if it's trace amounts, it's usually discarded as potentially being a contaminated sample, but if it goes to higher levels, they will look for other signs of PE (i know when mine went up, i had to have a 24hour urine collection test and some BT's to check for other signs)

[Visitor7]

yep, what the others said.

[BrightSparkles]

So my last dr appointment showed protein the the urine again
And he said that he'd have to keep an eye on it in case he needs to induce me early. I REALLY don't want this to happen.
Can someone tell me other signs of PE to keep an eye out for... i want to do ANYTHING i can to avoid being induced.

[Mummato2]

Unfortunately PE is one of those things that happen - and there isn't much that you can do to avoid it.

Saying that, induction is the best thing if it gets to unmanageable levels - because it can be a very dangerous thing to play with, so follow your OB's lead.

In the meantime, try to relax and ask him about tablets for the BP if that starts to climb xxx

[~shazz~]

good advice mummato2, definitely follow your OB's lead and try to relax and rest as much as possible, has your Bp been stable ?

[BrightSparkles]

good advice mummato2, definitely follow your OB's lead and try to relax and rest as much as possible, has your Bp been stable ?

First hospital visit - 120/70
Second hospital visit - 100/60
Dr visit - 125/79

So it's been stable - so i think it's more the protein his worried about. The comment on the card says prot + Leuc??
I think i really need to ask more questions when i see the dr next to be fully informed..

[*Beema*]

Just to answer you question for other signs of PE:
Elevated BP
Swelling including the face, some swelling is completely normal in pregnancy
Headaches

So your Dr will ask you if you have any of these and if you notice any of them please get in contact quickly as it can onset quite fast, but you can also go through a FT pregnancy with some protein in your urine.

The Dr may also get some extra monitoring done as well, by generally just of your BP

Big HUGS and I hope that everythign will go smoothly with you and your pregnancy.

ETA I jsut found this PE with some great information on BB