Kidney Pain & Infections During Pregnancy

Nephrology

Pregnancy Related Kidney Disorders

Pregnancy-related kidney disorders may affect both mother and child, which is why specialized care is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Pregnancy puts added stress on the kidneys and some women develop kidney related complications during pregnancy, while others may need careful monitoring of pre-existing kidney disease.

At SMC Physicians, our nephrology and hypertension specialists evaluate and treat all types of kidney disorders related to pregnancy, both before and after pregnancy.

How Does Pregnancy Affect the Kidneys?

Blood volume increases during pregnancy and the kidneys work harder to produce more urine. Hormones released during pregnancy also affect how the urinary tract functions. When combined with changes to the urinary tract due to physical stress from pregnancy, this can cause kidney related issues.

Kidney function is essential for a healthy pregnancy, so certain conditions should be monitored closely.

What Kidney Conditions Can Develop During Pregnancy?

There are several types of kidney and urinary tract disorders that can occur during pregnancy. Some of these conditions go away after pregnancy while others may persist or require treatment during pregnancy.

Common kidney disorders related to pregnancy include:

Kidney infections
Urinary tract infections
Kidney stones
Protein in the urine
Pregnancy-related hypertension
Preeclampsia
Acute kidney injury
Chronic kidney disease

Diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders can help reduce risk and promote healthier pregnancies for mothers and babies.

Why Are Kidney Infections During Pregnancy a Concern?

Kidney infections are sometimes referred to as pyelonephritis and can be one of the more serious complications that affect the urinary tract during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes and urinary tract infections are more common when you’re pregnant. Kidney infections occur when bacteria from a UTI spread to the kidneys.

Symptoms of kidney infections can include:

Fever and chills
Pain in your back or side
Painful urination
Frequent urination
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling tired or fatigued

Kidney infections can have serious consequences for mothers and their unborn children if left untreated, so getting treatment quickly is important.

Can Chronic Kidney Disease Affect Pregnancy?

Women with chronic kidney disease should be closely monitored by nephrology specialists before and during pregnancy as CKD can cause complications. Pregnancy can affect kidney function and decreased kidney function can increase the risk for pregnancy complications.

Women with chronic kidney disease are at risk for:

High blood pressure
Protein in the urine
Preeclampsia
Delivering their baby early
Decreased kidney function

By working with our nephrology providers you can better manage your condition and support a healthier pregnancy.

What Does Protein in the Urine During Pregnancy Mean?

Finding protein in the urine during pregnancy can indicate kidney disease or other complications related to pregnancy. Having protein in the urine is also common with preeclampsia.

Moderate amounts of protein in the urine may not be a concern but is still checked regularly with prenatal testing. If large amounts of protein are found in your urine, your doctor may run further tests.

How Are Hypertension and Preeclampsia Related to Kidney Health?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can cause numerous issues for kidney function and is linked to kidney disease. Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can affect the kidneys and cause further complications.

Preeclampsia is a condition that some women experience during pregnancy. High blood pressure, along with any other sign of damage to your organs (like your kidneys) is considered preeclampsia.

If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause issues with your kidneys and other major organs. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy, our nephrology specialists will monitor your kidney function.

Can Kidney Stones Occur During Pregnancy?

Kidney stones occur when crystals from minerals and salts collect in your kidneys. Pregnancy can cause kidney stones and they can be very painful.

Some common symptoms include:

Pain in your side or back
Blood in your urine
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling tired all the time

Because this condition can cause issues for both mother and baby, it’s important to diagnose kidney stones as soon as possible. Our nephrology team can help determine the cause of your pain and work with your other doctors to help you safely pass the kidney stones.

When Should You See a Nephrology Specialist During Pregnancy?

If you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function tests, protein in your urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, or kidney complications during pregnancy you may want to work with a nephrology specialist.

It’s always important to ask questions about any concerns you may have during pregnancy. Evaluating your kidney function can help providers detect potential issues and develop a treatment plan that is right for you and your baby.

Why Choose SMC Physicians for Pregnancy Related Kidney Disorders?

Collaborative care between you and multiple specialists is common when dealing with pregnancy-related kidney disorders. At SMC Physicians we work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure you get comprehensive care and manage all of your needs.

Our nephrology and hypertension team specializes in kidney disorders related to pregnancy and provides quality care for women throughout their pregnancy journey.

Many women feel more comfortable discussing pregnancy-related health concerns with a female physician. SMC Physicians is proud to have Dr. Akila Angamuthu, the only female nephrologist in South Jersey, providing specialized kidney care for women before, during, and after pregnancy.

Trust SMC Physicians for Pregnancy Related Kidney Disorders Care

Pregnancy-related kidney disorders can affect mothers and their babies, but seeking care from specialists can reduce your risk. For evaluation and treatment of kidney disorders related to pregnancy, visit SMC Physicians.

Our nephrology and hypertension specialists focus on providing quality care for both you and your baby. Call (609) 350-6780 today or request an appointment online to learn more about pregnancy-related kidney disorders and how our specialists can help.