Renal Stones In Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a blissful journey with all new surprises and experiences! However, kidney and Renal Stones During Pregnancy can Present a number of Health Hazards to the Mother and unborn.
Yes, you read it correctly! According to experts, renal stones during pregnancy are more common mainly when the stones occur for the first time in a woman’s life.
Pregnancy-related changes may result in the production of stones. During late pregnancy, the bladder is squeezed by the growing fetus, resulting in frequent bathroom trips. Therefore, many pregnant women may avoid drinking enough liquids, and less fluid consumption may lead to kidney stone formation.
But First, Let’s Know About Kidney Stones
Renal stones or kidney stones are small, crystallized masses that form in the kidneys or ureters. They are solid masses that develop when calcium binds with other materials in the urine, creating calcifications that build up and cannot pass through the ureter.
The stones can also be formed from uric acid, struvite, and cystine which are naturally occurring compounds in the human body. A woman with a small renal stone may not have symptoms because most of them are small enough to pass through the urinary tract independently. But larger stones can cause urinary obstruction which may present with significant pain.
What are the renal stone symptoms in pregnancy?
The renal stone symptoms in pregnancy are-
- Pain when urinating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in your urine
- Sharp back or abdominal pain
Can renal stones lead to miscarriage?
While renal stones in pregnancy do not directly cause miscarriage. But if left untreated, they can lead to health complications, such as preeclampsia, urinary tract infections, high BP, recurrent miscarriage, premature labor, or interference with normal labor posing a risk to the baby, including cesarean deliveries.
What are the risk factors for renal stones in pregnancy
The risk factors are as follows:
- Elevated vitamin D levels raise urinary calcium, increasing the risk of renal stones.
- Increased magnesium and citrate levels can result in stone formation.
- A family history of kidney stones
- Drinking less fluids
- Digestive problems like
- Urinary tract obstruction in pregnancy because of the pressure of the fetus on the kidneys.
- Individuals with type 2 diabetes are more prone to develop a kidney stone.
What are the precautions to prevent renal stones?
- To keep yourself hydrated and detoxified, consume lots of water and healthy drinks like coconut water, etc.
- Avoid Consuming citrus fruits, like lemons, kiwis, grapefruits, blood oranges, bitter oranges, etc.
- Don’t hold the urge to pass urine, even if it means frequent trips to the washroom.
- Drink detox water that has been prepared with lemon, cucumber, watermelon, etc. It promotes kidney function and helps in toxin elimination.
- Avoid beverages which contain caffeine and colas. The formation of renal stones might be accelerated by excessive consumption of these beverages.
- Limit the consumption of oxalate-rich foods such as blueberries, dark chocolate, dark green leafy vegetables, and nuts.
- Do regular exercises and yoga as advised by your Doctor.
- Consult a doctor in case of any abnormal signs and symptoms of renal stones.
Say No to Kidney Stones! Book an appointment with our best urologist today!
