Trying Not to Obsess About 24 Hr Urine results

SarahinMD

So...you know how Google NOT awlays is the pregnant gal's best friend? I can't decide if it's calming me or not. My midwife had me go ahead and do a 24 hr urine test (for preaclampsia) after one appt having a BP reading in the low 130s (after a crazy day at work), and one at 120, and without indicating any abnormal readings at the routine urine samples they have us do at each appt. Of course now I'm just waiting another week until my next appt to hear the results of the urine sample (she said they'd call sooner if there was a problem so I guess it's good if it is indeed a week till I hear).

 Of course I'm stressing a bit, since she had me do the test, though everything else makes me think I'm fine. I feel good. Haven't had any problems (knock on wood) thus far in the pregnancy, none of the symptoms of preeclampsia. I have gained perhaps a bit more weight than they'd like, and I was a bit overweight to begin with, but no swelling, headaches, etc. In fact, I've felt better pregnant than not I think.

 After the BP reading in the 130s, I got a home BP monitor, and have been monitoring my BP, which has had two benefits--one, to show me what raises and lowers my BP, and two, to show me that my BP isn't normally high at all. In fact, when at the last appt I showed the midwife the records of my BP numbers for the past week since I'd been doing them, she said they looked really good. BUT since she likely wouldn't be the one seeing me at several of my future appointments, said we might as well go ahead and do the 24 hr test since there was a good chance another of the midwifes would have me do it at some point anyway. Kind of a "let's just get this out of the way" thing, according to her.

 So I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience, and what really are the chances that there will be a problem, given the fact that there really aren't any problems now, and all the stuff I've read online says most doctors don't even test for PE without a higher BP series of readings. Anyone had the 24 hr test only to find no problem after all?

Chick7806

I've run I high a BP the whole pregnancy- 140s/80s (most of the time), and she had me do a 24 hour urine during the early part to make a baseline. I have not had to repeat it since then, but they are monitoring me in the later part of my pregnancy just to make sure baby is safe and sound. 

It has not materialized into a problem. Your midwife is probably just trying to be safe rather than sorry. GL!  

ValVail67

What is your normal BP reading? Because I've had personal experience with this, & even though I know "high" is based on what is high for YOU, it still seems a bit abnormal to be having you do a 24- hour urine sample just because you had ONE BP reading that was at 130. Do you remember what the bottom # was?

With DS#1 my normal BP was about 110/60, then all of a sudden at my 28- week c/u it was 152/ 80 something. So not only was it in what is considered to be high BP range for anyone, but it was also WAY off from my normal, & it didn't go down after they had me wait 30 minutes, & then re- took it. I was put on immediate bedrest, & since there were also traces of protein in my urine I had to do a 24- hour urine test. Although the amount of protein in my urine was higher than for a normal pregnancy, it was still just right under the amount to where you are considered to have pre- e. So while my BP remained pretty high until the last couple of weeks of my pregnancy, my urine levels were OK, & I was never actually diagnosed with pre- e. This time around my starting BP was the same as last time. At my last 2 appts. (30 & 32 weeks) it has gone up to 130/ 70. I too am monitoring my BP at home, & it pretty much stays at 130/ 70, going up if I am stressed or tired. Even with this, & with my history, my Dr. has not yet put me on bedrest again, & because there's been no protein in my urine, she has not requested another 24- hour urine sample either, although she says she is keeping a very close eye on me & does not trust my BP.

Because your BP is not staying high (& doesn't appear that it was that high in the 1st place), & because none of your previous urine samples have had protein in them, I would say you are probably pretty safe. But if it gives you peace of mind, call & ask for your own results. You shouldn't have to wait that long, someone should easily be able to pull up your file & tell you if the results were good or bad.

Good Luck!

SarahTx5701

I'm going to assume you dont have pre-e. You have no real symptoms other than some white coat hypertension. I got the same way yesterday.

136/93 in L&D

They took it again and it was 133/83. Perfect.  It's 115/65 at home.

really dont worry. I'm 99.99% you are fine.

You would have some symptoms if it was pre e or anywhere close to it.

 

Gypsie_spiryt

Now, I dont want to scare you but I just did the 24 hour urine. Here is my story. 

I moved across the country when I was 6 months pregnant. My first appt with the new practice my BP was high 140/80. Fast forward to this monday, 4 Oct. My BP was 145/90. All of the readings in between were much lower. They had me do the 24 hour urine collection. I got a call the next day because they wanted to induce me that night (last night). Apparently my protiens were 373. I havent had any of the other sympthoms. No headaches, no swelling, no vision changes, no pain, etc. I was able to do antepartum testing today and I have two more scheduled for next week. The antepartum testing they did was a non stress test and ultrasound to check my fluid levels. They like to see the fluid levels above a 10. Mine were at a 10. 

So now, we will see what my BP, non stress test and fluid levels are on Tuesday. If they aren't great, I will be induced.