Has anyone bought test strips to detect protein in urine?

[DueinSeptember]

Was wondering if this is a good idea or not.

Had mild pre-eclampsia in my last pregnancy and worried about having it again.

Have sent for a blood pressure monitor so I can keep an eye on it, was wondering about the urine test strips too. Found some on amazon for £9 for 100.

Anyone done the same?

I was tempted, but then thought I'd seem like a bit of a nutter if I got +protein and had to ring someone to tell them?? Think I'd rather wimp out let my MW handle it tbh :o

Thanks Fluffy, that's sort of crossed my mind too! May ask my midwife next time I speak to her about what she thinks.

Anybody else?

I know someone who had pretty bad pre-eclampsia so bought some for this time around. The midwife wasn;t in the slightest bit annoyed when she rang up to tell her she'd had +++protien show up on a strip and she was a bit concerned, just told her to come in so they could test properly.

My doctor supplied them to me and I was on strict instructions not to test more than once a day, so I didn't freak myself out.

Thanks - think it's worth thinking about then!

Beachyhead - at what stage did your doctor supply them? Was that because of Pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy?

No but we use the same ones at work ( am a vet nurse ) and did get a bit obsessed with testing my own pee on the sly! But panicked myself by finding something different each time, none of which showed up when tested by MW so have stopped now! Well, almost..... ;)

Thanks cydonia, I was concerned that they may panic me too if something odd came up.

I'm also due in September, 20 weeks now. When I went for my 12 wk scan the hospital midwife provided me with a note to give to my gp to prescribe iron tablets from 18 weeks and protein testing strips from 26 weeks. I had pre-eclampsia in my last pregnancy so was told it was even more important for me to self-test every day from 26 weeks.I got them both handed to me at 18 weeks. I would definately contact your midwife or doctor and get them prescribed.

Thanks ballroomblitz,

Glad it's something that they allow patients to monitor themselves.
I don't feel so silly now.

I was mildly panicked the other day when my ankles were slightly swollen and that was the start of the pre-eclampsia last time (which got me thinking about checking myself out at home in between MW visits). From reading about it, it seems that swollen ankles are normal in pregnancy and they have not got any worse so feel a bit better about it.

I'm seeing my MW at 24 weeks(ish) I think so I'll ask her then for testing from 26 weeks onwards. I think she wants to see me every two weeks for antenatal appointments from 24 weeks onwards so hopefully I'll be in good hands. I've also sent for a BP monitor, so that should come by the weekend. I guess that's quite a handy thing to have in the house anyway

Ballroom - what stage did you get the PE last time?

hi Due - I had severe early PE in my 1st pregnancy & can understand your concerns completely. I was previously told & would need to monitor my urine in this pregnancy - I see the consultant on Wednesday next week so will report back what is said. I would expect the strips, if required to be provided on prescription - not sure I'd have confidence in those bought over the net. Same with BP monitors - manual readings are more accurate.

When did your PE develop last time? Apparently, if it is going to happen again, it's on average of 2 weeks later in subsequent pregnancies. There are NICE guidelines on Hypertension in Pregnancy www.nice.org.uk which outline the standards of care & risks of it happening again - they're a bit lengthy but provide clear guidance - also there's PRECOG guidelines on PE too.

Hoping everything goes well with this pregnancy for you x

DueinSeptember About 28/29 weeks I started to develop it and ds began to suffer from IUGR as a result. Managed with hospitalisation - bedrest and meds until 34 weeks. I believe I'm really, really lucky to have made it that long.

Am on aspirin this time so far, consultant-led and monitored frequently. Bp has actually come down from my 12 week scan so fingers crossed it will behave itself this time.

Funny how you mention the swollen feet. For me it's checking my face. Silly really as these things do get swollen through pregnancy anyway. Well of course my face is going to get swollen the weight I've been piling on through eating :)

All the best of luck to you.

Thank you both lotsofcheese and ballroomblitz.

Gosh, 28/29 weeks must have been very scary. Mine wasn't diagnosed until 37 weeks, so perhaps I'm worrying about nothing (but it's something I'm aware of this time) - especially if it generally comes 2 weeks later than the previous pregnancy.

My daughter was on the small side (5lb 11) for a full term baby, so my consultant has prescribed asprin for this pregnancy. I'm not sure if the PE had anything to do with her size or if she was just small anyway.

Thanks for the NICE guidelines lotsofcheese, will have to have a read.

Good luck with both of your babies too! Thanks.