24 Hour Protein Count?

[annegarrett]

What does a 24 hour protien count of 300 mean? My blood pressure runs high, anywhere from 138/87 to 180/97. It fluctuates often. My hands and wrist swell an increase of at least 5 ring sizes. I see a maternal-fetal specialist. I don't feel that he really listens or maybe he just has too many patients. Should I be concerned? I'm getting worried. Please let me know something.

[annegarrett]

300 mg of proteinuria in a 24 hour specimen is sufficient to make the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Given the BP's that you report, you have preeclampsia.

If you are near term, your doctor may be waiting for your cervix to ripen so that induction will be easier. Monitoring your BP 2 or 3 times per week and monitoring the baby with an NST should probably keep you safe. If movement decreases or if you develop headache, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, you should see your doctor right away.

If on the other hand, you are very remote from term, (eg. 28 weeks), we would expect the severity of your preeclampsia to worsen. Unfortunately, I cannot predict how quickly it will worsen. You may require treatment of your BP (controversial). You may require hospitalization.

A Perinatologist in Washington

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