Protein and pre-eclampsia

Pregnancy-related high blood pressure can affect the kidneys, allowing protein to pass into urine. A urine sample may therefore be checked when blood pressure is raised or symptoms suggest pre-eclampsia. A single result does not tell the whole story: contamination, timing and the testing method can affect what is found, so your maternity team may repeat testing or use a quantitative measurement.

Pre-eclampsia can affect the liver, blood cells, brain and placenta as well as the kidneys. Some people have few symptoms, while others develop headache, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, nausea or breathlessness. Monitoring may include blood pressure checks, urine tests, blood tests and ultrasound assessment of the baby.

Attend the recommended antenatal appointments and take prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Record symptoms and ask how to check blood pressure if home monitoring has been advised. Do not try to treat protein in urine by changing your diet or taking supplements without guidance. Depending on pregnancy stage and severity, the team may recommend observation, medication, closer fetal monitoring, induction of labour or caesarean section.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, repeated vomiting, sudden marked swelling, reduced fetal movement or feeling seriously unwell. Call emergency services for seizures, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or chest pain. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms appear.

What did my urine and blood pressure results show? Do I need repeat tests or home monitoring? Which warning symptoms should send me to hospital, and how might this affect timing or method of birth?