Albumin in the urine. (Albuminuria)

Categories: Obstetrics or Midwifery

While the urine of about six to ten
per cent of all pregnant women contains albumin, the appearance of this

symptom should always be regarded with apprehension. Women who are in

their first pregnancy are most frequently affected. If the woman has had

disease of the kidneys before her pregnancy began this symptom will likely

appear in the early months; if it is caused by pressure, etc., it may not

appear until after the sixth onth, but both acute and chronic.

inflammation of the kidneys may develop at any period of pregnancy. Dr.

Manton, of Detroit, states, "In the majority of cases, the albuminuria is

due to the so-called kidney of pregnancy, in which there is no

inflammation, but a fatty infiltration of the epithelial cells associated

with anemia of the organ." The urine may also contain casts. Whatever the

cause it indicates a condition of insufficiency of the kidney which may

lead to serious consequences to the mother and it is also injurious to the

(foetus) child. If this symptom develops suddenly the danger to both is

greatly increased. For this reason physicians should urge pregnant women

to have their urine examined frequently, especially during the later

months of pregnancy.