Renal Stones in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a blissful journey with all-new surprises and experiences! However, kidney and Renal Stones During Pregnancy can cause several Health issues to the Mother and the 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 cause the formation 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.

What are Kidney Stones?

Renal stones or kidney stones are small and crystallised 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 experience symptoms because most of them are small enough to pass through the urinary tract on their own. But larger stones can cause urinary obstruction which may present with significant pain.

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Causes of Renal Stones During Pregnancy

Kidney stones can develop during pregnancy due to several physiological and hormonal changes like:

Hormonal Changes during pregnancy can slow down the flow of urine, leading to urinary stasis, which allows minerals to accumulate and form stones.
Not drinking enough water, especially in early pregnancy due to nausea.
Increased Calcium Excretion
high intake of salt, calcium or oxalate-rich foods
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Women with a history of kidney stones or a family tendency may be more likely to develop stones during pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms of Renal Stone in Pregnancy?

The kidney 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?

Renal stones during pregnancy do not directly cause miscarriage. But if left untreated, they can lead to health complications like preeclampsia, urinary tract infections, high BP, recurrent miscarriage, premature labour or interference with normal labour, posing a risk to the baby like cesarean deliveries.

Risks of Renal Stones during Pregnancy

The risks for kidney stones in pregnant women are as follows:

Elevated vitamin D levels increase urinary calcium, thereby raising the risk of renal stones.
Increased magnesium and citrate levels can result in stone formation.
A family history of kidney stones.
Drinking less fluid.
Digestive problems.
Urinary tract obstruction in pregnancy occurs because of the pressure of the fetus on the kidneys.
Women with type 2 diabetes are more prone to develop kidney stones while pregnant.

When to See a Doctor for Kidney Stones During Pregnancy

You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

Severe or persistent lower back or side pain.
Painful urination or blood in the urine.
Frequent urge to urinate with little output.
Nausea or vomiting that persists.
Fever or chills (possible sign of infection).
Signs of dehydration or reduced fetal movement.
Contractions or unusual pelvic pressure.

How Are Renal Stones Treated in Pregnancy?

Treating kidney stones during pregnancy requires extra care to protect both the mother and the developing baby. Most small stones pass on their own with supportive care, but here are some effective treatment options:

Hydration Therapy: Drinking plenty of fluids is the first line of treatment. It helps flush the stone through the urinary tract naturally, especially if the stone is small.
Pain Management: Safe pain relievers like acetaminophen are typically used. Stronger medicines are avoided unless necessary.
Observation and Monitoring: In many cases, doctors monitor the stone’s progress through ultrasound scans and manage symptoms conservatively until the stone passes or labour occurs.
Hospitalisation (if needed): If pain is severe or there's a risk of infection or preterm labour, hospitalisation may be required for IV fluids, pain control and close monitoring.
Ureteral Stent or Nephrostomy Tube: For larger or obstructive stones that can't pass, temporary drainage through a stent or tube may be placed to relieve pressure and ensure kidney function, especially in the second or third trimester.
Surgical Removal (Rare): If all else fails and the stone causes serious complications, minimally invasive procedures like ureteroscopy may be considered, usually after the first trimester and only when necessary.

How to Prevent Renal Stones Development in Pregnancy?

To stay hydrated and detoxified, drink plenty of water and healthy beverages like coconut water.
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 prepared with ingredients like lemon, cucumber and watermelon. It promotes kidney function and helps in toxin elimination.
Avoid beverages that 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.
Engage in regular exercise and yoga as advised by your Doctor.
Consult a doctor if you experience any abnormal signs or symptoms of renal stones.

Natural Ways to Pass Kidney Stones While Pregnant

Following natural approaches may help support the body’s ability to pass small stones more easily:

Stay Well-Hydrated: Drinking 8–10 glasses of water a day helps flush the urinary system and may encourage the stone to move through the urinary tract.
Warm Compress or Heat Pack: Applying a warm compress to the lower back or abdomen can help relieve mild pain and relax muscles around the urinary tract, which may ease stone movement.
Lemon Water (in moderation): Lemon juice contains citrate, which may help prevent stone growth and support natural breakdown. Add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to warm water and drink once or twice a day, only if your OB-GYN approves.
Coconut Water: Naturally hydrating and gentle on the kidneys, coconut water may help flush out small stones and reduce burning sensations while urinating.
Increase Physical Activity (if safe): Mild movement like walking or prenatal yoga can encourage stone passage by helping it shift position.
Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on fruits and vegetables rich in water, and reduce your intake of salt and animal protein. This can reduce kidney stone formation and ease symptoms.
Avoid Oxalate-Rich Foods (if advised): Foods like spinach, beets and nuts can promote stone formation. Limit these only if your doctor identifies oxalate stones and recommends dietary adjustments.

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Conclusion

Kidney stones during pregnancy can be really uncomfortable and worrying, but with quick diagnosis and proper medical care, most situations can be handled safely. Drinking plenty of water, eating foods that are good for your kidneys and taking proper care can prevent and manage kidney stones while keeping both mom and baby healthy.

Always consult your doctor before trying any home remedies or supplements, and seek medical help if you experience severe pain, fever or urinary issues.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.