preeclampsia maybe?

Question

I had my 37 week appointment today. I had protein in my urine (she didn't specify the amount), some swelling in my lower legs (I haven't noticed,  she felt my legs and told me), and I also gained 3 pounds last week. My diet has been fine so I'm thinking she is thinking I'm retaining water? she requested an ultrasound for growth check so now I'm freaking out! has anyone had something similar. did you get induced? go naturally?

Answer

The only way to actually be Diagnosed with preeclampsia is for them to do a liver panel on you. Make sure you're eating enough protein (120+ grams per day) and getting enough salt (just go off of taste and cravings, your body knows what it needs). You can have pre-pre-eclampsia symptoms and reverse it with lots of protein and some salt to taste.
If they didn't say they were concerned then you're probably fine, but upping your protein intake if you're always eating less than 100g per day would be wise no matter what.

Answer

I had preeclampsia. If you had it, your blood oressure would have been high at the appointment. Leg swelling is normal in late pregnancy, so that’s nothing to be concerned about. If it were your hands/arms/face(particularly eyes) that would be a problem. Protein, at least trace, is normal in pregnancy. Did you do a 24hr urine test or just dip stick at the office? Dipstick urine tests are never very accurate, so I wouldn’t worry much about that. Just keep an eye on your blood pressure, that’s the number one sign to look for, or a headache that is a pain you’ve never felt before that no medicine will treat and extreme visual changes. It is a sign of severe preeclampsia and is due to brain swelling. 
If it comes up that you do have preeclampsia, ACOG recommends a delivery no later than 37 weeks.