protein++ in urine, bp normal but bubba measuring small...bit worried

[bootus]

Hiya, wonder if anyone could relay similar experiences. Had my 32 wk appt today (although 33 wks tmw) and protein found in pee sample, marked on notes as ++. BP fine though. Wouldnt really be concerned except that baby is measuring 29 weeks, now I know the old tape over the tummy is unreliable at best but I think this combined with the protein has concerned me, ie; is everything working efficiently to keep baby happy and healthy? I am tall and (used to be slim) which I know can affect bump measurement readings but my DS was 9lb4 so one would rightly assume I was having a fairly good size bubba. Ive been referred to a consultant a week tomorrow who I think will refer for a growth scan and have been told to keep a close eye on movements/signs pre eclampsia. Anyone got anything reassuring to add or words of advice as dont want to spend next week in panic.

Have you been swabbed for infection as protein could be indicative of this also?

Have you had any UTI symptoms?

Did you have PET bloods done?

sh77 Not swabbed no, but another sample has been sent away for testing, am assuming the protein is an infection as am under impression that unlikely to be pre-eclampsia with normal bp? No other uti signs except needing to pee a lot (assumed just baby bouncing on bladder) and very tired/bit run down (who isnt at this point????)
Happyg....sorry to be dim, what are PET bloods? No bloods done at all, assumed this would happen at appt next week? x

If it could be infection, then call up for results before your scan. In my hospital, it takes 24-48 hours to get blood/urine tests back. Also, IF it is infection, you may have had it for a while as it has entered your urine.

PET bloods - pre eclampsia

Oh right, sorry . Guess its all in consultants hands from next week now and s/he will do all that. Just wondered if there was anything I should be particularly asking when go for appt. Will hopefully get urine test results back before then.

As I understand it anything other than a trace of protein is clinically significant, but can be an infection, not necessarily PE. You can also have a urine infection without normal burning symptoms whilst pregnant.

I take it your BP is normal for you, not up on your booking reading at all?

Oh and I wouldn't worry about the measurement - they are so inaccurate.

Re measurement - they worry if more than 2cm/weeks out though tape measurement can be bollocks.

PE can affect baby's growth but I am not sure if you need high BP AND protein to be diagnosed with it.

You may want to consider getting a private group b strep test done. The Doctor's Lab is a site to order it from. 30 quid. Results within 24-48 hours. If infection, you will be treated with antibiotics. Keep eye for any fluid leakage.

Thanks Sh77 - Would you say worth getting checked out for strep b? It did occur to me but wasnt sure if this might relate to the protein? Can I also ask why i need to keep an eye on fluid leakage?

Strep B is easily treated with antibiotics during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can cause infection in baby with serious consequences. Protein in urine can be sign of advanced infection.

Women are routinely tested in many countries but not here. The private tests are more accurate than NHS ones (NHS ones have been shown to give higher false negative results).

Re fluid leakage - this could suggest small membrane rupture, which can make it easier for bacteria to enter the uterus.

Thanks, apologies for all the q's. I will definitely get myself tested for this. Had a look on website and said ideal time for testing is 35-37 weeks so best to leave it until then? Will the nhs routinely test for it now due to the protein?

Probably not. If Strep B is found then they may suggest anti-biotics 4 hours before delivery. My own view is if protein has been found in urine and PE ruled out, do the test regardless of how far away you are from 35-37 weeks. If you have strep b infection, there is a risk of membrane rupture.

Read gbss.org.uk

I will, thanks very much for the advice.