Kidney congestion & pregnancy
When urine can no longer flow from the kidneys into the bladder, it backs up in the kidneys and causes them to swell. Doctors then speak of kidney congestion (hydronephrosis). It affects either only one kidney or both. Depending on the severity, the symptoms range from a slight pulling sensation in the sides to severe pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Pain during urination is also a possible complaint of kidney congestion.
Pregnancy: Physical changes
During pregnancy, the female organism undergoes enormous changes. The urinary system is also affected: The amount of body water increases by about 40 percent. The two kidneys, which act as a filtering station, therefore have to do more work. The body fluid is filtered in the outer kidney tissue (renal cortex) and then passes into a collecting tube within the kidney, the renal calices. The renal calices in turn pass the urine on to the renal pelvis, from where it is transported via the draining urinary tract to the urinary bladder. Finally, the urine is excreted from the bladder via the urethra, which is a few centimeters long in women.
Pregnancy: the child presses on the urinary system
The more advanced the pregnancy, the more space is demanded by the uterus and the growing child. In the process, both ureters are squeezed to a greater or lesser extent. The more the outflow of urine is inhibited, the more severe the kidney congestion – recognizable on ultrasound by severely dilated renal calices, pelvis and urinary tract. This severe form of kidney congestion occurs in up to three percent of all expectant mothers. It is somewhat more common in multiple pregnancies.
Kidney congestion can affect both kidneys, but it is usually the right kidney that causes the symptoms. This is because, on the one hand, part of the intestine protects the left urinary tract from being squeezed. On the other hand, the uterus and a blood vessel located on the right side, the ovarian vein, put more pressure on the right urinary tract.
Urinary tract infections due to kidney congestion
Infections in the urinary tract should be treated, as they can ascend to the kidneys and lead to (chronic) renal pelvic inflammation. Other possible consequences of bacteria in the urine include preeclampsia, lower birth weight and premature delivery. Therefore, pregnant women should be sure to see a doctor if they suspect a urinary tract infection.
Other causes of kidney congestion
Pregnancy and its changes are not the only possible trigger for kidney congestion. Various diseases and complications may also be behind it such as:
- Urinary bladder stones
- Kidney stones
- Cancer of the bladder, urinary tract, colon or uterus (neck of the womb)
During pregnancy, when stones in the urinary system cause severe kidney congestion, doctors treat it with either a ureteral stent or a tube inserted through the skin into the kidney. Both treatments drain urine from the kidneys. The inserts can remain in the body until birth, but should be changed regularly.
Kidney congestion & pregnancy: When to see a doctor?
However, a slight kidney congestion may already be indicated if you have the feeling that the bladder never empties completely and you constantly have to urgently go to the toilet. Possible signs can also be if only small amounts of urine come when you urinate and without pressure, and you have to go to the toilet more often at night.
But do not worry too much in relation to kidney congestion. During pregnancy, the attending gynecologist pays very careful attention to the health of the expectant mother (and, of course, the child). During regular check-ups, he or she can detect and treat possible alarm signs at an early stage.
