What do the urine tests actually test for?

[KnobwithaK]

And can you buy the tests online?

I have a 25 week midwife appointment next week.. currently they're saying to come in as they have to take blood pressure and do a urine test. Tbh I'd rather not go (on top of the obvious reasons, my partner is "shielded" each time I go to hospital I have to isolate from him for 2 weeks which is not doing my mental health any good). Obviously I'll go with what they tell me in the end but it would be really useful to know about the urine tests before I call up and discuss it with them.

Thanks!

Hi, I found this on the NHS website that explains what they're looking for in the urine test, mostly protein for pre-eclampsia.
You can buy the sticks on Amazon however I'd be concerned about my ability to read the results as accurately as the Midwife could.
Could you speak to the midwife and if you have a phone conversation and ask to send a photo of your urine dip results so they can interpret them?

From what i understand they look for protein in your urine and ketone levels as well as signs of a uti. They also take your blood pressure.

They can't force you to go but i would say it's fairly important as they are looking for warning signs for different conditions that can occur in pregnancy. Things like GD and preeclampsia where you might not have any symptoms yet. Having said that, I know some trusts have cancelled the 25 week appt completely or changed it to a telephone appointment which suggests it's not one of the most important ones.

I guess you've just got to weigh up the benefits of going with the negative points and make an informed decision.

From www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/antenatal-care-checks-tests/

Protein and sugar. If you have protein it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia which is incredibly dangerous for both Mother and baby, my Nan’s first child was stillborn as a result of pre-eclampsia. Sugar can mean gestational diabetes which again can be dangerous.

I know it’s a crappy time but I really wouldn’t skip antenatal care, it’s vital.

I'm not suggesting skipping antenatal care

Thanks for the information all, I'll see what I can get on Amazon and give the maternity unit a call.

I had my 25 week Wednesday.
They also measure your baby bump. They do that each time now I believe.
It's very different now the midwife makes you wait in car until she calls you so your not in a waiting room. And they wear full PPE. I didn't want to go either but felt reassured there taking this very seriously x

In my area 25 week apps are cancelled, next seen at 28 weeks. If I had to isolate from my partner for 2 weeks I would feel the same tbh!

Could you see if you could do the sample at home then have someone drop it into the maternity unit?

I had to do a pee sample during one of my appointments but had pee fright so didn't manage it and they let me just do it at home then drop the sample off the next day? But that was just at my local gp surgery so it might be different.

I was concerned about missing urine dips as many of my appointments have been moved to telephone only and my last baby was born early after I came down with a UTI. I asked my GP surgery if they could do the test instead and they agreed without any problem. I just call up when I have a sample and hubby can drop it in. Maybe ask if you could do similar?

Thanks.

I've called about 10 times this morning and there's been no answer.. they're usually really good but I guess they must be understaffed. Gah.

My hospital told me 25 weeks scans are being cancelled everywhere.. not just my hospital. You can buy urine dip sticks on amazon same ones hospital use and they are pretty easy to read x