protein in urine

[ilm4k]

At my last OB appointment my BP was slightly elevated (134/81). My doctor had me do the 24 hour urine test to check for protein. I got the results today. She said that between 100-300 is normal. Mine was 489. She doesn't seem too concerned about it. She is just going to monitor me closely. I feel very unsure about what this means and basically a little frightened. Is there anything I can do that would make the protein lower? How serious is 489? I am only 28 weeks pregnant. Is my baby in danger?

[expert on call]

With blood pressure mildly elevated like that and a 24 hour protein level above 300 you are likely developing preeclampsia. While there may be no danger yet, preeclampsia can develop VERY quickly and cause seizures, kidney failure and other problems overnight in some cases. It doesn't necessarily mean that your baby is in danger, but you may have to be in the hospital for treatment in the near future. Many doctors would have put you in the hospital for observation based on the urine protein alone. In addition, you may want to prepare yourself that the baby might have to be delivered a little premature, depending on exactly what is going on.

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.