Preeclampsia question

Hi everyone,
I don't post much, mostly a lurker but I really need all your advice. I will be 34 weeks tomorrow with my boys and have been on modified bedrest for quite a while. At my appt yesterday there was protein in my urine so I did the 24 hour test. It came back elevated but my Dr is not concerned because my blood pressure is not high. I have been on Nifedipine for 10 weeks and that can lower your blood pressure. i am worried it may be hiding my symptoms. They want to still only see me once a week and continue all the testing each week. Should I be more pushy and ask for better answers? They consider 34 weeks within normal for twins at the practice so I don't know why we are pushing our luck for the next few weeks. Is protein in urine not enough to be concerned about? Thank you for your help.
Lindsay

 

Preeclampsia is a serious condition, so I would definitely push and ask questions. You and your babies health are the most important thing.

That being said, I guess all the factors have to be weighed to determine what is going on. Did your doctor tell you how much protein was in your urine? Even if it is a little elevated it might not reach the threshold to be considered preeclampsia.

Also, the nifedipine definitely will lower your blood pressure, so you are right on that. I would hope the doctor isn't just excluding it based on your blood pressure.

What about your other labs? Usually several blood tests are drawn along with the 24 hour urine. If those were all normal, that would lean against preeclampsia. Do you have any other symptoms (swelling/headache/nausea/pain in right upper part of your abdomen)?

I am assuming your doctor is weighing all your symptoms and labs to determine whether he/she thinks you have preeclampsia. If the only sign is an elevated protein in the urine, then he/she may not feel it is worth delivering at this point because babie at 34 weeks can still have problems and end up in NICU.

I have had high blood pressure and protein in my urine for two weeks as well, but no other symptoms and all my labs were normal. They are continuing to watch me once a week as well. I asked all the questions you have to my doctor and the above is basically what I was told, so I feel more comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable I would call your doctor and discuss it with him/her as soon as possible...

Hope that helps.

 

How bad is your edema? I think even on the BP meds, you would see a spike in BP.

Try to keep them cooking a little longer. I wish they had caught my pre-e earlier and kept it under control for at least another week or two. Having your babies stay in the hospital when you go home is terrible!

I would suggest monitoring your BP on your own if you can and staying on your left side as much as possible.

Hang in there! You're doing great and almost there. Pre-e is an ugly thing and I really hope you doing have to deal with that through your L&D and PP.

 

Thank you all so much for your answers, they really help. I haven't had this with my other two pregnancies and am not familiar with it. I really want to keep them in for a week or two more. I am scared of more complications though. I don't have edema very bad, or any other symptoms. Its basically just the protein right now. Thank you again.
Lindsay

 

Really watch for other symptoms, and don't hesitate to call or go in if you think you are experiencing dizzyness, sudden swelling, spots before your eyes, etc. :hug99: You're doing a great job; keep 'em in there a couple more weeks!

 

protein in urine could indicate a UTI as well... increase you water intake... that is what they told me when I had protein in my urine sample.

here is a link that might help answer some questions:
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/comp...s/proteinurine/

 

I had protein in my urine for about a month before my BP went up at 36 weeks. I too was scared and wanted my doc to keep a better eye on me. Turns out he was right and he admitted me when I needed it. Just watch for the swelling to start, It should be not long after that. Stop in at the drug store every day and check your BP. Don't worry, you should be okay! This was my experience anyway. Good luck!

 

You could also ask for a 24 hour urine test. They can set it up so that the needed supplies are at home. The 24 hour test is MUCH more accurate than the office stick test.