Suggest Treatment For High BP
I am 37 weeks pregnant and have had blood pressure readings that have slowly crept higher and sometimes spike erratically (will go from 133/79 to 148/90 back to 140/80.) my normal BP used to be 110/60. I have had dull headaches for the last week that I have treated with tylenol. At my last appointment I had trace protein in my urine (I've never had it at all.) My bloodwork came back fine and a spot urine test showed no protein a few hours later. I am waiting for the results of my 24 hour urine catch.
What does the 24 urine test show and should I expect it to show trace amounts?
Is it possible to have trace amounts and then a few hours later show nothing?
If I have trace amounts one day, would the urine catch show larger amounts the next day?
I am anxious to know the results as all of my other tests seem to check out ok, but headaches seem to keep lingering and my BP is higher than normal although not in the range of being very concerned....thank you!
IT quantifies the protein in urine/24hours!
Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks for this query.
This test measures the exact quantity of protein in urine. This is helpful in establishing the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia -eclampsia which is associated with high blood pressure in pregnancy.
It is very possible to have trace amounts that represent no disease and that can easily disappear. Keep a cool head and don't be too worried. This in itself would rather make your headaches worse and create more confusion around the diagnosis.
Your baby is mature and is at term. Even if delivery were today, you and the baby would be without any issues related to prematurity. All would be okay.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Also, does the loss of bloody show mean labor is set to begin? Thank you.
Traces are not typical of pre-eclampsia!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Traces of protein do not define pre -eclampsia. In full blow pre-eclampsia, we are talking of proteins in the range of grams and not traces. Many women would have traces of protein in their urine at some time during pregnancy. A combination of high proteins in urine and high blood pressure defines pre-eclampsia and not just either of them.
Bloody show often precede onset of labor. Do you have any contractions? If not, you should wait until you have contractions before concluding about labor.
I wish you well.