Women with kidney disease, continue to be at a significantly increased risk of complications during pregnancy, despite advances in healthcare to reduce these outcomes.
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 195 million women worldwide and it is currently the 8th leading cause of death in women, with close to 600,000 deaths each year CKD affects around 3% of women in their childbearing years.
SIGNS OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN PREGNANCY
- High Levels of Creatinine in Urine
- Increased level of protein in urine
- Effect on kidneys
- High Blood Pressure
- Urinary Tract Infection
Chronic kidney disease is also considered a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome and reduced fertility. Women who have CKD are at increased risk for negative outcomes for the mother and the baby; pregnancies in women with advanced CKD are most challenging with high rates of hypertensive disorders and preterm births.
WOMEN IN HIGH RISK GROUP
- Women having first pregnancy
- Women with Multiple gestation (twin pregnancy)
- Prior history of high blood pressure or kidney disease
- Women taking medicine after renal transplant
PRECAUTIONS
- Women with high risk must plan their pregnancy
- Conception may be in consultation with the doctor
- Go for regular follow ups with a gynecologist and nephrologist during pregnancy
INVESTIGATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
- Urine test
- Kidney function test
- Regular Monitoring of blood pressure
- Weight check
It is essential to timely identify Kidney Disease in pregnancy, and to follow-up women with kidney disease during and after pregnancy.