Q&A: I have high protein levels. Could this be a problem?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Ever since my first visit to my OB I have had high protein levels in both blood work and urine samples. I was sent to have a renal ultrasound which showed nothing. What are the possible problems? My doctor only tells me that it is probably not pregnancy related, could it be serious?

Spilling protein in the urine is a sign of gestational hypertension (PIH), but it usually develops in later pregnancy. When it shows in early pregancy, one must suspect kidney problems, so your doctor was right on when ordering the ultrasound. The only other thing you can do is get another opinion from a maternal-fetal specialist, a nephrologist, or both. If your doctor is comfortable watching you closely, these opinions may not be necessary right now, but there's nothing wrong with asking.

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