Whenpregnant, you will have your urine checked at routine appointments.
One of the reasons urine is analyzed is to detect protein.
Large amounts of protein in the urine may indicate that your kidneys are not functioning normally.
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For pregnant people, the upper limit is 300 mg/d.
Most healthcare providers consider a urine protein level over 500 mg/d serious and a sign of preeclampsia.
A common cause of proteinuria during pregnancy is preeclampsia, which usually develops after 20 weeks' gestation.
Preeclampsia affects about 3% to 7% of pregnancies in the United States.
HELLP syndrome is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately.
Proteinuria during pregnancy may also be brought on by kidney disease.
This is a quick test that can be completed in an outpatient facility.
Your provider will give you a cup in which you will provide a small urine sample.
They will then dip a test strip into the urine.
This test strip contains chemical patches that change color when protein and other substances are detected.
If the result is high, your provider will work with you to determine the cause.
Treatment: Watchful Waiting vs.
Inducing Labor
Preeclampsia usually resolves on its own after your baby is born and theplacentais delivered.
Sometimes, preeclampsia continues for days to weeks after delivery.
To reduce the risk of complications from preeclampsia, your healthcare provider may recommendinducing labor.
This is usually only an option once you reach 37 weeks' gestation.
Close monitoring may include frequent medical appointments and checking your blood pressure at home.
Your provider may also recommend close monitoring in the hospital if your symptoms are worsening but still manageable.
In the hospital, your medical team can monitor your blood pressure 24 hours daily.
The team can also administer medications, including steroids, to help a babys lungs develop quicker.
Drinking more water will not help reduce protein in the urine.
The only way to treat proteinuria is to treat the underlying cause.
Although preeclampsia cannot be prevented, it may be possible to lower your risk.
Your healthcare provider may recommend takingbaby aspirinor acalciumsupplement daily to reduce your risk.
However, never start a new medication or supplement without talking with your healthcare provider.
Self-Care During Pregnancy With Kidney Disease
People with kidney disease can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Daily exercise and avoiding tobacco may improve your blood pressure readings.
It is normal to have slightly higher levels during pregnancy.
However, very high levels could mean that you have preeclampsia or kidney disease.
Symptoms of preeclampsia include high blood pressure, swelling in the hands and face, and sudden weight gain.
Pregnancy with kidney disease can be managed with medication, dietary changes, and other treatments.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the right plan for you.
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