What is Proteinuria?

What does it mean if protein is found in the urine of pregnant woman?

  • There are many causes for protein in the urine. The commonest reasons during pregnancy are urinary tract infection and contamination of the urine sample by vaginal discharge.
  • Hence, it is important to save urine properly for antenatal check up.

Pre-eclampsia

Another important cause for protein in the urine is pre-eclampsia. This is a condition whereby blood pressure is often raised and usually occurs in later half of the pregnancy. Serious consequences can result without prompt and proper management.

(Please refer to “Pre-eclampsia”leaflet)

The following is a correct method to collect urine:

  1. Collect your urine sample before breakfast (drinking plain water is okay).
  2. Prepare a clean wide-mouth bottle for collecting the sample.
  3. Discard the first void urine as it is not appropriate for the test.
  4. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water thoroughly when you prepare the second void.
  5. Use a wet cotton wool pad or toilet paper to clean the vulva and remove any vaginal discharge.
  6. Position yourself over the toilet and begin to pass urine.
  7. Do not collect the first and the last part of urine.
  8. Midway through the urination process, collect a sample of the urine with the wide-mouth bottle.
  9. Tightly screw the cap back onto the container and wash your hands thoroughly.
  10. You can eat as usual afterwards.