Proteinuria is a condition of high protein in the urine because the kidneys are not functioning optimally. Normally, protein in the urine is undetectable. The causes can range from kidney problems to dehydration

Proteinuria is a condition of high protein in the urine because the kidneys are not functioning optimally. Normally, protein in the urine is undetectable. Furthermore, how to deal with positive urine protein 1 in pregnant women must be adjusted to the cause.

Quick fix is important to treat proteinuria during pregnancy to avoid complications. For example, such as eclampsia which threatens the safety of pregnant women and the fetus in the womb.

Causes of positive urine in pregnant women

Detection of protein levels (+1) in the urine indicates a leak of protein in the urine. The causes are varied, often related to kidney disorders. The reason is because the kidneys, which are supposed to filter waste, do not function optimally so that urine contains protein. In pregnant women, protein levels are considered abnormal if more than 300 mg is wasted every 24 hours. Some things that can trigger this condition are:

• Possibility of having preeclampsia
In pregnant women who have preeclampsia, generally their blood pressure is quite high when they are 20 weeks pregnant. This condition can affect the ability of the kidneys to filter protein.

• Chronic kidney problems
If proteinuria occurs before 20 weeks of gestation, it is called chronic proteinuria. Generally, the cause is a pre-existing kidney problem.

• Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the part of the kidney that is in charge of filtering waste substances or glomeruli is called glomerulonephritis. Ideally, the glomeruli absorb protein while filtering the blood. But when there is inflammation, protein can actually enter the urine.

• Dehydration
A temporary cause of proteinuria is dehydration. The reason is that the body needs fluids to distribute nutrients – including protein – to the kidneys. But when there is insufficient fluid, it is difficult to make it happen. Consequently, the kidneys will re-capture protein which then settles in the urine. Usually, this condition is also accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, headaches, and dark urine. To know how to treat this condition in pregnant women, consult an obstetrician. Generally, doctors will do a 24-hour urine protein test to find out the condition of pregnant women in more detail.

How to overcome positive urine protein 1 in pregnant women

Obstetricians will be more vigilant if protein is detected in the urine during the second trimester of pregnancy. The reason is because proteinuria can mean symptoms of having preeclampsia. Therefore, pregnant women need to pay attention to several other symptoms that may be related to preeclampsia symptoms, such as blurred vision, swollen hands and feet, severe headache, heartburn, and feeling unwell. Given the correlation between proteinuria and preeclampsia are quite close, some things that can be done to overcome them are:

1. Regulate diet
As much as possible live a healthy diet by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish. Choose low-fat protein as an alternative to red meat. High-sodium savory foods should be avoided or replaced with healthy salty food options.

2. Get enough rest
Make sure pregnant women get enough rest, at least 8 hours every night. When sleeping, try to lie on your left so that the fetus does not press on the main blood vessels.

3. Drink water
Consuming enough water every day is also a way to relieve discomfort. This is important for the body to work optimally. Not only from water, fluid intake can also be obtained from foods containing water such as cucumber, watermelon, to lettuce.

4. Drug administration
If proteinuria is an indication of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, the doctor will prescribe medication according to the medical condition. In addition, if protein is detected because the body is fighting infection, the doctor will also prescribe antibiotics that are safe for consumption by pregnant women. The reason is to avoid the possible dangers of childbirth. In addition to preeclampsia, considering that proteinuria can also be associated with diabetes, doctors may also prescribe diabetes medication or insulin therapy. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Notes from Healthy

Not only that, obstetricians generally will ask pregnant women to do routine tests to detect the presence of protein in the urine. Not just once, this test can be done several times to see if there is any improvement.