Protein levels in Urine of Pregnant women in Rivers State, Nigeria

The levels of protein in urine of pregnant Women in Rivers State, Nigeria, were investigated. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) Sample were analyzed, out of which ninety (90) were obtained from pregnant Women and thirty (30) from non-pregnant Women used as control. The protein concentration (mg/100ml) in pregnant Women (56.3 + 8. 8. 7) was significantly (P< 0.o5) higher than values in non-pregnant woman (35.3± 8.3). At different gestation periods values decreased from 53. 6± 5.51 mg /100ml in the first trimester to 28.3± 4.20 mg/ 100ml in the third trimester. Protein levels decreased after 25 years of age and then increased after 35 years of age of pregnant women. The concentration of protein in relation to the number of pregnancies showed a range of 40.9± 11.4 mg/ 100ml gravida 2 pra to 75.8± 17.7 mg/100ml at primer. The value at the primer did not differ significantly (p< 0.05) from that at fourth pregnancy which was 73.7 ± 13.7 mg/100ml. It can be concluded that proteinuria occurred during pregnancy especially at the first trimester, and the age and number of pregnancies influenced the level of protein in urine. These findings may offer scientific basis for the monitoring and treatment of pregnant Women for healthy living and safe delivery of their babies.