Pre-eclampsia urine: what it can show

The kidneys normally keep most protein in the bloodstream. Protein detected in a urine sample may show that pregnancy-related changes are affecting kidney filtering. It is one part of an assessment; a result by itself does not establish the diagnosis. Clinicians may repeat the sample or use a test that measures protein more precisely. They will consider blood pressure, symptoms, blood tests, pregnancy stage and the baby's wellbeing together.

Foamy urine can have several explanations and cannot confirm pre-eclampsia. A clean sample matters because vaginal discharge, blood or a urinary infection can affect interpretation.

Attend the urine and blood-pressure checks arranged by your maternity team, even if you feel well. Tell them about headache, visual changes, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling, nausea or reduced fetal movement. Do not alter prescribed medicines or start a low-salt remedy without advice. Keep a note of symptoms, when they began and any home blood-pressure readings, then share it at review.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, new visual disturbance, severe upper-abdominal pain, breathlessness, confusion, heavy bleeding or noticeably reduced fetal movement. Do not wait for a urine result if these symptoms occur. A clinician can check your blood pressure, urine, blood tests and baby's condition promptly.

Ask what the urine result showed, whether it needs repeating, how it fits with your blood pressure, and which symptoms should bring you back immediately. You can also ask how monitoring will be arranged and what delivery planning might involve.