What does protein in urine in pregnancy mean? What does the treatment look like?

A general urine test in pregnancy is a basic and mandatory laboratory test that a pregnant woman should go for every month and whenever she develops worrying symptoms: fever, abdominal pain, urinary problems. The test makes it possible to detect diabetes, urinary tract infections, kidney disease and eclampsia, which is evidenced by, among other things. proteinuria in pregnancy.

Urine protein in pregnancy – norms

Protein in the urine during pregnancy does not always mean a pathological condition. This substance is also present under normal conditions. However, its amount is negligible – usually no more than 150 mg. Since laboratory tests are unlikely to be sensitive to such a small dose, a specific value is not given on the result of a general urine test. Instead, you may find “protein in urine is not present” or the “(-)” sign.

Protein in urine during pregnancy can be slightly elevated and as high as 250 mg. This is a physiological situation caused by changes in kidney function, and sometimes by exercise, stress, elevated body temperature or a protein-rich diet. In this situation, the annotation on the result “trace amounts of protein in the urine” in pregnancy should not be alarming. On the other hand, the information “protein present” is an indication of daily urine collection.

Accurate urine protein values can be determined during a daily urine collection. This is a test where urine from 24 hours is collected into one container, then mixed and 100 ml is cast for laboratory testing.

Urine protein standards in pregnancy:

• >150 mg per day – normal condition,
• 150-250 mg per day – physiological proteinuria,
• >300 mg per day – abnormal condition.

What does elevated urine protein in pregnancy mean?

Extended diagnosis and treatment is required for proteinuria in pregnancy if the protein value exceeds 300 mg. Possible reasons for this condition are:

• urinary tract infection,
• Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia,
• Kidney damage due to diabetes or hypertension,
• glomerular diseases.

The result of the urine test should always be shown to the doctor, who will order additional tests if necessary. Based on these, he will decide on further proceedings.

Proteinuria in pregnancy vs. eclampsia

Proteinuria in pregnancy that exceeds 300 mg and the finding of elevated blood pressure (above 140/90 mmHg) on a double examination is indicative of preeclampsia. Abnormalities are first diagnosed in women after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This is a dangerous condition that requires close monitoring, as it can lead to eclampsia – tonic-clonic convulsions and coma. The cause of preeclampsia is not well understood.

Protein in urine during pregnancy and kidney damage

Elevated protein in urine during pregnancy can also indicate a urinary tract infection. This is a complication of the presence of microorganisms in the urinary tract. Initially, the disease runs its course without any complaints. However, it can cause kidney failure and can also lead to premature labor.

How to treat protein in urine during pregnancy?

Protein in urine during pregnancy, the amount of which exceeds 300 mg, requires treatment. Therapeutic management depends on the cause of the abnormality, as it should be remembered that proteinuria is not a disease, but only a symptom.

Treatment of proteinuria in pregnancy, which is caused by a urinary tract infection, requires antibiotic therapy. The mother-to-be should not be afraid of taking an antibiotic, as the doctor chooses one that is safe for the fetus. On the other hand, a woman diagnosed with pre-eclampsia requires monitoring – regular blood pressure measurements and laboratory tests are important.

See also: Why is a urine test done during pregnancy?