high b/p and protein in sample - what is this?

[geranium]

Apologies if this is too much information but I would be grateful for some reassurance or at least info. I'm only 11 weeks pregnant but at my check up today I was told I had protein in my sample and high blood pressure. Protein is being sent away for further info but it would be helpful to have a hint what this might mean? I'm terrified it might mean diabetes or gestational diabetes. Is this likely?

Thanks for any help

Def not diabetes as that would be sugar not protein.

The combination of High BP and Proteinurea is a sign that you might be developing Pre-eclampsia. But this would be HIGHLY unlikely at 11wks pg. And if they were remotely concerned you would have been admitted to hospital for monitoring for 24hrs.

What was your BP?? The protein in your urine is more likely to be an indication of a Urinary Tract Infection (Cystitis).

Don't panic, I had 6 of those in my last pregnancy. Drink plenty water and pee the minute you need to.

FangAche

Thank you. I shall now go and have a chocolate bar on the strength of your note. (Chocolate much needed since today was also my son's first day at nursery!).

On the subject of UTI, would I have to take antibiotics to get rid of it if this is what I have? I'm quite keen not to take anitbiotics if possible.

My blood pressure 5 weeks ago was 132/78. After 5 weeks of exercise and healthy eating, I have lost half a stone but my b/p is 142/86 .

Geranium - That isn't really high BP at all! They would only worry if the 2nd number was raised by about 20 units from your norm. Its just slightly elevated which could have been coz you rushed to the appointment, got flustered about something etc.

You might have to take AB's, but drinking plenty of water will most likely flush it out. Did they ask you to provide another sample to send off to test for infection? If not then they are clearly not that bothered about following it up and are happy to leave you until your next appointment.

Just be aware that there is a risk that if the infection is allowed to get bad enough it can trigger mild contractions which is why had a stay in hospital at 24wks! All turned out fine though, just a precaution. It was SO painful it felt like labour! Apparently a bad infection can irritate the Uterus like that.

Congratulations BTW!

ooops! I see a sample has been sent off!

If they were worried that it was a nasty infection you would have been given a course of AB's to take whilst awaiting the results.

I had so many samples sent off that came back totally clear!!! Your urine sample can be contaminated so easily.... protein will show up for example if any vaginal discharge gets into the sample (NICE!).

Thanks for that. Really helpful. Also, thanks for the congrats. Hope all is ok. I wouldn't normally mention the pregnancy this early but got freaked out at the doctor's who was very cagey about what it might mean (and said not likely to be an infection when I suggested protein normally meant infection so not sure what bee in his bonnet he has).

The previous b/p (5 weeks ago) was also a bit higher than normal (last preganancy I was dead normal throughout - 120/60? if I remember) but you are right that the first appointment I rushed to and today I was thinking "low b/p", "low b/p" all morning so I guess that didn't help.

Geranium - I think thats called "White Coat Syndrome". It gives a false impression of high BP, but BP is only high when it's being taken by a Doctor LOL!!

I'm sure all will be just fine.

no likely to be a urine infection, gestational diabetes usually would present in teh form of glucose in your urine rather than protein.

at 11 weeks i would suspect that it was a urine infection rather than anything serious.