The moment any pregnancy early signs are noticed, the urine protein must be tested. A test that checks the Urine Protein to Creatinine Ratio, also known as UPCR, UP/CR, protein to creatinine ratio, tells you about the protein in the urine. Prior to this test one must be familiar with the Signs of pregnancy.
• Morning sickness
• Fatigue
• Missed period
• Implantation cramping
• Frequent urination
• Tender swollen breasts or Darkening of areolas
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Food cravings (in later stage)
Urine Protein Test
Expecting pregnant women are normally recommended to go for a urine pregnancy test right after the appearance of first pregnancy symptoms. The protein/creatinine test is very simple and it calculates a hormone in the urine related with pregnancy - beta human chorionic gonadotropin or beta-HCG.
Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism; it is produced constantly and is excreted through the urine from the body. Since, creatinine is constantly produced in the body its count in the urine, indirectly, determines the measurement of kidney function which is also known as glomerular filtration rate. A significant rise in the serum creatinine in the urine may also show kidney damage.
Although, urine protein can be measured from any urine sample but a 24-hour urine test is the most accurate way to assess the pregnancy signs with creatinine.
Throughout pregnancy, some other protein may be excreted in the urine, due to the increase in the renal blood flow. Normal, quantity of this added protein loss should not be more than 300 mg in 24 hours.
24 hour urine pregnancy tests are advised after 10 days of ovulation and fertilization. However, the doctors' advice waiting till the missed periods as the pregnancy test taken before this may indicate a false pregnancy result. Vigorous physical activity or muscular trauma during or prior to the test will cause an increased amount of creatinine and may lead to false results as well.
PregnancyCain Smith is expert in writing articles on pregnancy and other related issues. She is working in famous hospital in USA. She is also work for women's Health & USA Medicine Researcher. Read her more articles on signs of pregnancy, symptoms of pregnancy.