How is protein in urine measured and when should I be worried?

[lucy5]

Here in Spain, they don't seem to do the ++ thing.

protein by itslef is not neccesarily an issue.......

it is when it is ++ in conjunction with raised blood pressure & swelling that it can be an indicator of pre eclampsia

also, zig zag flashing in front of the eyes and severe headaches are an indicator ...

it is usually measured with little stick dipped into your urine sample....

if you are concerned about anything, give the midwife a call?

Thanks, i have raised bp and swelling. I just don't understand the results, they are saying that it is rising but I don't know when it is percieved as a problem. They have told me that they are not bothering with the dipsticks just sending it straight to the lab and testing it weekly.

is your BP rising or your protein?

if you are unsure, can you not go back to doc/ midwife or obs. to get some explanation and reassurance..the anxiety won;t help your blood pressure!

Both, i'm already on bp tablets. The problem is, is that I am in Spain and the doctors are very much of the school of thought that it's a need to know basis and i dont need to know

oh ... i guess you need to wait it out then! i suppose if the syptoms worsen then you can go back...take it easy and all the best with the pregnancy & birth...

Thanks, I hate not being able to understand my notes!

Just bumping as i am still unable to find any info on reading my results.

do you have the notes?

yes, i do. It looks like it says 0.4 gr/l

I think (haven't got notes on me) pre-eclampsia is defined as protein of 300mg/l plus hypertension of 140/90.

the only thing i think that can mean is 0.4 grammes per litre!!!!! which sounds wrong in this context.....if you phone the midwife...wil they really not tell you what it means.....

sorry...useless...

They don't usually worry about swelling any more as it's so common in pg anyway - it's the bp and proteinuria that's the important thing. Have you been having any other symptoms, lucy?

actuially......0.4 grammes would be pre eclampsia wouldn;t it...if waitingforgodknows thinks it is 300mg /l

300 mg = 0.3 grammes? no?

Are they taking bloods as well from you?

It would. I just don't woant to worry anyone

Lucy I think the only thing you can really do is contact midwife/doc again and ask about results. If they are concerned about PET they can do bloods and 24-hour urine sampling, etc.

Thanks. it's so hard to tell re symptoms as I have had the pregnancy from hell. I have had high bp from very early on, reaction to blood pressure tablets etc. I get headaches when bp is up and i often throw up too.

I haven't had bloods taken for a while but am having urine tested weekly.

In the UK with 0.4g/l you would be having your blood checked to see if you have raised creatinin levels. It could be worth asking your doctor if they're planning on checking this - I don't know what creatinin is in Spanish though
But its a test to see how well your kidneys are working as pre-eclampsia can affect kidney function.

In the UK with 0.4g/l you would be having your blood checked to see if you have raised creatinin levels. It could be worth asking your doctor if they're planning on checking this - I don't know what creatinin is in Spanish though
But its a test to see how well your kidneys are working.

Thanks will try and find the Irish midwife again, I often get the gist but miss the detail in Spanish.

Sorry, i feel like a hypochondriac but what other symptoms should I be looking out for?

bump because i've got a big one!

can be mild, moderate or severe

raised blood pressure
protein in urine
swelling - feet , ankles, hands & abdomen

raised blood pressure & swelling & protein increasing if the pre eclampsia is worsening...

frontal headaches & visual disturbance if severe...

so really. the midwife can tell you by the amount of protein & your blood pressure, how severe the condition is for you

sorry, nothing more i can tell you...someone more knowledgeable wold probably be more helpful!!

Thanks lulumama, you have helped me so much!