Pregnancy brings a lot of bodily changes – enlarged breasts, an expanding tummy, and morning sickness. Some of the changes your body undergoes you don’t even know about, because they occur in your internal organs.
The kidneys are one of the organs affected by pregnancy, and it’s essential that you understand kidney health before you get pregnant. At Metro Renal Associates, our three experienced nephrologists provide information on kidney disease, high blood pressure, and proteinuria to pregnant patients.
Our goal is to ensure you and your kidneys remain healthy throughout your pregnancy and after birth.
The kidneys are just one part of the body that experiences significant changes during pregnancy. As the baby grows, your kidneys have to work harder to filter blood, regulate fluid balance, and remove waste products.
A major way pregnancy affects the kidneys is increased blood volume. A woman’s blood volume increases throughout pregnancy by 30-50% to support the mother and the baby.
The kidneys then have to filter more blood during the nine months of pregnancy, which strains them and makes them work harder. They also increase in size and hold more volume, which can slow urine flow and increase the risk of urinary tract or kidney infections.
Women living with chronic kidney disease or other kidney issues need to take special care during pregnancy. These conditions increase the risk of preeclampsia—a serious pregnancy complication—and make it more likely that kidney function will worsen during pregnancy, which can have negative effects on both you and your baby.
Follow these tips to keep your kidneys healthy during pregnancy:
If you’re living with kidney disease, taking extra care to follow these tips is crucial for your health. We recommend scheduling appointments to monitor kidney function throughout pregnancy.
Whether you have kidney disease or not, it’s crucial to know the signs of a kidney issue to get prompt medical treatment.
If you have any of the following signs, it’s essential to seek treatment immediately:
If you’re living with kidney disease, you should have regular check-ups with our team during your pregnancy. We ensure you have the proper tools, diet, and lifestyle habits to keep you and your baby healthy.
For more information on kidney disease and pregnancy or to schedule a consultation, call our Washington, D.C., or Capitol Heights offices, or request an appointment online.
