Pregnancy With Kidney Disease

Pregnancy With Kidney Disease Guidance by Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Nephrology | Kidney Transplant | High-Risk Kidney Care

Overview

Pregnancy in women with kidney disease requires careful planning and specialized monitoring. With the right timing and medical guidance, many women can have a safe pregnancy and healthy baby. Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee provides expert care for women with chronic kidney disease (CKD), lupus nephritis, and post-transplant conditions planning pregnancy.

1. Preeclampsia (High BP + Protein in Urine)

This is the most common and dangerous condition.

Symptoms include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Swelling
  • Protein in urine
  • Headache, vision changes

2. Worsening Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD Progression)

Pregnancy may cause kidney function to drop, especially if the woman already has:

  • CKD Stage 3–5
  • High proteinuria
  • High BP before pregnancy

3. Severe Proteinuria

Leakage of protein in urine may increase during pregnancy and is linked to:

  • Preeclampsia
  • Worsening kidney function
  • Preterm birth risks

4. Anemia (Low Hemoglobin)

Kidney disease often causes anemia, and pregnancy can make it worse.

Leads to fatigue, weakness, and risk of preterm labor.

5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Kidney patients get UTIs more often in pregnancy due to:

  • Weaker immune system
  • Stagnant urine
  • UTI can lead to fever, pain, or kidney infection.

6. Fluid Overload (Swelling, Breathlessness)

Kidneys cannot remove excess fluid well, causing:

  • Swelling in legs, face
  • Breathlessness
  • Increased blood pressure

7. Electrolyte Problems

Problems such as:

  • High potassium (dangerous for heart)
  • Low sodium
  • Can occur due to poor kidney function or medicines.

8. Gestational Hypertension

Some women develop new high blood pressure during pregnancy, even without preeclampsia.

9. Preterm Labor (Early Delivery)

Kidney disease increases the risk of:

  • Delivery before 37 weeks
  • Low birth weight
  • NICU requirement

10. Miscarriage (in advanced kidney failure)

Women with CKD stage 4–5 have a higher risk of pregnancy loss due to very poor kidney function and high toxins.

Summary

Kidney patients in pregnancy commonly suffer from:

High BP, preeclampsia, anemia, proteinuria, UTI, fluid overload, electrolyte problems, and risk of early delivery.

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