Protein in Urine During Pregnancy

Protein in urine, also known as proteinuria, may occur during pregnancy.  Though protein in one’s urine is normal at low levels (or even, briefly, at high levels) prolonged heightened levels of protein in urine are very dangerous and concerning.  During pregnancy, urine is checked regularly to screen for a multitude of diseases and illnesses such as Diabetes (Excessive Sugar Consumption Effects), Precambrian (Precambrian Wiki Page), Urinary Tract Infectionss (Complications of UTI in Women)(UTIs) and more.
 

Causes of Protein in Urine During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, protein in urine is not the real cause of concern.  The pregnant woman’s proteinuria will likely not last after pregnancy.  However, it is a sign of much more worrisome illnesses and cannot be ignored.  Preeclampsia, for example, is high blood pressure related to pregnancy and can be fatal for both mother and child if not addressed and handled properly. Diabetes can be extremely dangerous, as well.
 

Effects of Protein in Urine During Pregnancy

The effects of proteinuria depend on the stage of the pregnancy as well as other symptoms or prenatal concerns.  However, prolonged proteinuria that is allowed to get out of control, can cause kidney damage.
 

Symptoms of Protein in Urine During Pregnancy

There are very few symptoms of proteinuria.  However, there are a few that may be noticed:

• Foamy urine.

• Swelling in hands and feet.

• Swelling in face.

In relation to pregnancy, the most important reason to keep vigilant about proteinuria (specifically in the later part of the pregnancy) is preeclampsia.  The symptoms of preeclampsia include: