Kidney Problems During Pregnancy

Kidney Problems During Pregnancy

Kidney problems during pregnancy are complex and can make the pregnancy high-risk due to the physiological changes that increase the demands on the kidneys.

If kidney problems during pregnancy are not properly managed, they can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus.

What physiological changes occur in kidney function during pregnancy?

**Increased blood plasma volume flow to the kidneys

**Increased glomerular filtration rate

**Decreased blood urea and creatinine levels

**Slight dilation of the renal pelvis

Types of kidney problems during pregnancy:

** Chronic problems (pre-existing before pregnancy)

** New problems that develop during pregnancy

What are the causes of chronic kidney problems?

** Diabetes

** Autoimmune diseases such as lupus

** Polycystic kidney disease

** Renal vasculitis

** Ureteral valve reflux leading to kidney damage

What are the causes of kidney problems during pregnancy?

** Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy

** Severe infections that reach the kidneys via the bloodstream

** Bleeding leading to kidney tissue death

** Acute fatty liver disease during pregnancy

What are the risks of kidney problems for mothers during pregnancy?

** High blood pressure and preeclampsia

** Fluid buildup in the lungs

** Fluid retention

** Anemia due to erythropoietin deficiency

** The need for dialysis

** Recurrent kidney/urinary tract infections during pregnancy

What are the risks of maternal kidney problems to the fetus during pregnancy?

** Intrauterine growth restriction

** Premature birth

** Low amniotic fluid

** Intrauterine fetal death

What tests are performed to check/monitor kidney function during pregnancy?

** Kidney function blood test

** Urinalysis to check for blood or protein

** Blood pressure monitoring

** Kidney ultrasound

Should fetal growth and measurements be monitored regularly during pregnancy when the mother has kidney problems?

Yes

What should the blood pressure of a pregnant woman with kidney problems be?

Below 135/85

It should be noted that the monitoring of a pregnant woman with kidney problems should be a joint effort between an obstetrician and a nephrologist.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist