Multiple 24-Hour Urine Tests - Are these all necessary??

betty8701 · November 2014

Hello Bump Community!

This is my first pregnancy and seems to be going smoothly. I'm 33 weeks today and I've had no issues other than my blood pressure. It was always normal, but my last several appointments it has been a bit elevated. Today they put me on a monitor for a non-stress test and my doctor even said the results look great, but nonetheless she ordered another 24-hour urine test and more blood work for the 3rd time. I'm confused on whether or not this is entirely necessary because my blood pressure will be elevated and then they take it again a few minutes later and it's fine. I haven't been experiencing any symptoms of high blood pressure and I wonder if it could just be the rush of getting to the appointment and being at the doctor's office in general. I do get a little bit anxious about those things, I guess..?

I trust my doctors know more than I do, but my husband is getting frustrated with all the extra testing (which always comes out just fine, nothing to worry about...just with yet another hefty bill.) I would rather be safe than sorry and always feel grateful that there turns out to be nothing wrong, but I must admit that I'm really not fond of the bigger and bigger bills that keep coming every time I need a repeat test that our insurance doesn't cover.

I'm starting to wonder at what point I should really question these extra tests. Any insight is much appreciated! I'm feeling so clueless right now.

Unknown · November 2014

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betty8701 · November 2014

Thank you all! This makes me feel better. Thank goodness for my fellow Bumpies in the most clueless time of my life!

PrimRoseMama · November 2014

Yes. BP can go south very very quickly. That means it can become an emergency in a matter of hours. Stroke & such. Very bad business.

I'd say if your doctors want you to have the monitoring that it's worth it. Plus? Urine capture is easy & non-invasive. I fail to see the problem.

AlwaysForgetful · November 2014

I know this has been answered, but yes. I had PreE and HELLP with #1. With #2 I had a lot of 24 hour urine and blood work done. Now, I was spilling some protein, so they were keeping an eye out to make sure the level was not increasing. I never did have PreE again. None the less, I know that they were watching it closely just in case. I know the bills can add up quickly.

RayRay007 · November 2014

betty8701 said:
I'm starting to wonder at what point I should really question these extra tests. Any insight is much appreciated! I'm feeling so clueless right now.

You should be questioning it the minute they suggest it. Don't just blindly do whatever a doctor tells you to do. They should be explaining why and if they don't you need to ask.

Eta: not saying 24 hour catch isn't necessary, I have no idea about that. It just astounds me that a doctor will hand over a req without explaining what it's for and a patient will just comply without asking.

pookiesprize · November 2014

Thank you ladies, I am experiencing the same thing. My blood pressure was high today and my doc ordered my second 24 hr urine sample. After reading the posts I feel much better and I know it's for the well being of my baby and myself.

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Multiple 24-Hour Urine Tests - Are these all necessary??

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