A 24-hour urine test during pregnancy

It may be requested when the maternity team needs a timed measurement rather than a single sample. The result is considered with blood pressure, symptoms, blood tests, pregnancy stage, and previous results; it should not be used as a stand-alone diagnosis.

Kidneys normally filter blood and retain useful proteins. Measuring everything passed in urine across the stated interval helps show the total loss rather than a concentration affected by one moment's hydration. The team may compare this with other findings when assessing kidney health or pregnancy-related blood pressure concerns.

A result outside the laboratory range needs clinical interpretation. A urinary infection, collection error, kidney condition, exercise, illness, or contamination can influence some findings. Your clinician may check the sample quality, arrange another urine or blood test, or review you sooner depending on the whole picture.

Use the container supplied and follow its storage directions. At the recorded start time, empty your bladder into the toilet. Collect every urination after this, day and night, and include the final sample at the matching finish time the next day. A separate clean jug can make transfer easier; avoid adding toilet paper, stool, or cleaning products.

Plan access to a toilet and the storage location before beginning. Continue normal prescribed medicines, food, and drink unless your maternity team gives different instructions. Contact the laboratory if you spill or miss a sample, have a bowel movement contaminate the container, or start outside the planned timing.

Contact your maternity assessment service urgently for a severe or persistent headache, visual disturbance, sudden swelling of the face or hands, pain high in the abdomen, breathing difficulty, chest pain, heavy bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, or a noticeable reduction in your baby's usual movements. Seek immediate help for collapse, seizure, severe breathlessness, or confusion.

Fever, back or side pain, vomiting, painful urination, or feeling acutely unwell can suggest a urinary or kidney infection in pregnancy and also needs prompt assessment. Do not delay care to complete or deliver the urine container.

Ask what the test is measuring, how to store the container, and whom to call outside clinic hours. Clarify how the finding relates to your blood pressure and blood tests, what symptoms should trigger same-day review, when results will be discussed, and whether another collection is likely if any urine is missed.