Is conservative management always successful for kidney stones during pregnancy?

In most cases, kidney stones pass spontaneously through urine with conservative measures. However, urological intervention may be required if the stones do not pass or cause complications.

What if the patient is not responding to medical management for kidney stones during pregnancy?

If conservative management fails, urologists may consider inserting a stent in the kidney to relieve obstruction. Stones may also be removed if accessible, although sometimes removal is delayed until after delivery to avoid risks to the pregnancy.

How can kidney stones be prevented during pregnancy?

To prevent kidney stones during pregnancy, it's important to drink plenty of water each day to stay well-hydrated and reduce the risk of stone formation.

Are X-rays or CT scans safe for kidney stone diagnosis during pregnancy?

X-rays and CT scans are generally avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus. Alternative imaging techniques or delaying imaging until after delivery may be considered.

3759
3.5 Minute

03-08-2024 Team Medicover Wellness

Understand Renal Stones In Pregnancy

Q: What are the treatment options for kidney stones during pregnancy?

Urologists typically manage these patients conservatively with medicines like painkillers, antibiotics if needed, and IV fluids.

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.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

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.

Eat a nutritious diet and take precautions to prevent kidney stone formation.

Natural Ways to Pass kidney Stones while pregnant

Here are some natural ways to help pass kidney stones while pregnant:

Stay Hydrated

Drink Plenty of Water: Increasing water intake helps dilute the substances in urine that lead to kidney stones.
Lemon Water: Adding lemon to water can help break down stones due to its citrate content.

Dietary Adjustments

Avoid Oxalate-Rich Foods: Foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate can contribute to stone formation.
Limit Sodium: High salt intake can increase the amount of calcium in urine, leading to stone formation.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Herbal Remedies

Dandelion Root: Known to support kidney health and increase urine production.
Horsetail Tea: Helps increase urine flow and can assist in flushing out kidney stones.

Physical Activity

Gentle Exercise: Walking and other mild exercises can help move stones through the urinary tract.

Pain Management

Warm Compress: Applying heat to the lower abdomen or back can help relieve pain.

Important Considerations

Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Always discuss any natural remedies or significant dietary changes with your doctor, especially during pregnancy.
Monitor Symptoms: If you experience severe pain, fever, or blood in urine, seek medical attention immediately.

Note

Avoid Certain Herbal Remedies: Some herbs are not safe during pregnancy, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Always prioritize your health and the health of your baby by consulting with a healthcare professional before trying new remedies or treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

About 1 in 300 to 1 in 1200 pregnant women suffer from kidney stones. Renal colic is the most common non-obstetric emergency during pregnancy.

Patients can present with colicky pain in the loin, vomiting, fever with chills, or blood in the urine. Small stones may usually pass out while urinating without any discomfort.

The urologist always tries to manage these patients conservatively with medicines like painkillers, antibiotics, and IV fluids.

In most cases, stones are passed spontaneously through urine with conservative measures. But sometimes, urological intervention may be required. To prevent kidney stones, drink lots of water each day so you do not become dehydrated.

Urologists may then insert a stent in the kidney and the stone may also be removed if it is easily accessible, but sometimes the stone is removed after the delivery. Care should be taken not to do X-rays or CT scans during pregnancy.

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services