When you visit your midiwfe or doctor throughout pregnancy, you will be offered…

When you visit your midiwfe or doctor throughout pregnancy, you will be offered regular urinalysis checks. This is where tou take a sample of urine in a pot and they dip it with a little stick. The stick looks for a number of elements that could indicate a bigger problem. One of those is protein. . Protein should not be in the urine so when it is found, it can mean several things. When small 'traces' are found, its usually insignificant as it is probably down to a contaminated sample (from vaginal discharge) You may be asked to provide another sample or if you are suffering from other symptoms such as abdominal pain or itching, the sample may be aent off to check for infection. . If the sample has 1 plus ( 1 +) or more of protein, this is more of a concern and you may be referred for further checks for pre eclampsia which might include doing a 24 hour urine collection and blood tests. . Pre eclampsia usually has other symptoms such as high blood pressure and headaches or visual disturbances but not always! Sometimes the presence of protein in the urine is the first indication that there may be a problem. Make sure you always take a sample with you for your check ups! . . . . . . . . . . #preeclampsia #preemie #birth #pregnancy #pregnancycare #prenatalcare #antenatal #midwifemarley #birthprep #protein #midwife #doctor #pregnancylife #obgyn #bloodpressure #apec #preterm #childbirth #education #labour #labor #laboranddeliveryrn