One of the most fundamental studies during pregnancy is urinalysis. It is prescribed to determine if kidney function is normal. Indeed, it is this analysis that can be the key to identifying many diseases even in the asymptomatic period and will provide information on the general health status of a pregnant woman. The kidneys excrete minerals, liquid, and other toxic substances through urine. Thus, urine contains hundreds of different substances. Along with a large number of different components of urine, the amount of protein is always checked in laboratories. A normal indicator is its absence.
During the expectation of a child, a woman regularly passes a urine test. When protein is detected there, it is imperative to consult a doctor. Protein in the urine during pregnancy (proteinuria) can be dangerous not only for mom, but also for her unborn baby.
The body of a healthy person produces protein every day. This is a natural process and the norm for an adult is 150 mg of daily protein excretion. During pregnancy, the kidneys of women are under intense pressure. And this is not surprising. After all, at this time they should filter more blood. Thus, the norm for expectant mothers increases, and the protein in pregnant women per day is 260 mg. However, a morning urine test should not show this. The indicator can vary up to 5 in the field of view.
The most common cause of protein in the urine during pregnancy is a urinary tract infection. Indeed, at this time, a woman is particularly susceptible to them. Proteinuria can also be a sign of arthritis and circulatory failure.
Unfortunately, the protein in the urine of pregnant women can indicate a serious disease that sometimes happens in expectant mothers - this is gestosis. During this disease, the choroid of the kidneys is damaged, which will invariably lead to the appearance of protein in the urine. Gestosis occurs in about 5-10% of pregnant women. It happens in early pregnancy with symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. More dangerous is gestosis in the second trimester of pregnancy with symptoms such as proteinuria, hypertension, and swelling of the extremities after rest. Gestosis is a direct cause of eclampsia. Loss of protein can affect the weight of the baby during birth - it will be significantly less than normal. Gestosis must be treated, since serious complications are possible that threaten the life of the mother and the unborn child.
Protein in the urine during pregnancy can occur during high temperatures, due to excessive physical exertion or hypothermia of a woman. Such proteinuria is called physiological and it is temporary.
The results of a urinalysis should be interpreted only by a doctor, because self-esteem can be ignored and lead to inaction.
To protect yourself from urinary tract infections, which result in bacteria and protein in the urine during pregnancy, you need to carefully take care of personal hygiene. The proper hygiene of the expectant mother is the best prevention of kidney disease. During pregnancy, for feminine hygiene, it is better to use natural products, if possible, wash every time after going to the toilet, use loose linen and do not supercool. In addition, the future mother needs to pay attention to the foods used. It is worth limiting salt intake, avoiding canned food, and drinking plenty of mineral water and natural juices. In addition, do not hold urine for too long, as this promotes the growth of bacteria. Cranberries, dried or boiled, are also very useful for the prevention of kidney diseases.