Understanding Albumin in Urine During Pregnancy: Causes & Risks

Albumin is a protein that is normally found in the blood. During pregnancy, some albumin may leak into the urine. This is usually not a cause for concern, especially if the amount of albumin in the urine is small. However, if the amount of albumin in the urine is high, it can be a sign of a medical condition called preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop in pregnant women. It is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for the mother and baby, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and eclampsia (a condition that can cause seizures and coma).

If you are pregnant and you have albumin in your urine, your doctor will monitor you closely to check for signs of preeclampsia. If preeclampsia develops, your doctor will recommend treatment to lower your blood pressure and reduce the amount of protein in your urine.