What should you know about a urine albumin test in pregnancy?

Albumin is a protein normally kept in the bloodstream. Its presence in urine can have several explanations, including contamination, a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or changes associated with pregnancy and raised blood pressure. One result is interpreted alongside blood pressure, symptoms, timing in pregnancy, and sometimes blood tests. A result does not by itself diagnose a pregnancy complication.

Follow the collection instructions carefully; a clean sample reduces contamination. Your maternity team may repeat the urine test or use a more specific measurement if albumin is detected. They may also check blood pressure, kidney function, and symptoms. Do not change prescribed medicines or start antibiotics based only on the result. If infection is suspected, treatment is chosen with pregnancy safety in mind and may involve antibiotic treatment.

Contact your maternity team promptly for a new severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling of the face or hands, pain below the ribs, breathlessness, or feeling very unwell, particularly with raised blood pressure or protein in urine. Fever, burning urine, flank pain, or vomiting can also need timely assessment for a urinary infection.

Ask what the result means in your situation, whether it needs repeating, how your blood pressure will be followed, and which symptoms require same-day advice.