Pregnancy and one kidney

[habeebajg]

Hi.

I am 27, but when I was 19 I found out that I was in kidney failure because my ureter tube never developed when I was born. I had urter pevlic junction obstruction and it has been repaired with half a synthetic tube.  Long story short, as a result of this condition going undetected for 19 years both my kidneys were damaged.  I still have both my kidneys in me.  My left kidney functions at 43% and the right one functions at 57%. Another result is I also use the washroom all the time (about every 30 minutes).   I have always dreamed of having children.

My questions are:
Will I be able to have a child with my kidney problem?
What will happen to my kidneys after I give birth (will pregnancy damage my kidneys more)?
Will I have to have a c-section as the pushing during labour might be hard on my kidneys?

Thank you so much.
J

[Avitasmom]

I had a kidney transplant when I was 12 yrs old. I'm now 32 and had a baby 7 months ago. My pregnancy was considered high risk but over all it was great. The only complication was that my blood pressure was higher than normal and at around 32 weeks my creatinine levels were high and I was loosing protein in my urine. I was induced at 36wks. My baby is perfectly healthy and a month later my kidney function was back to normal. My advice is make sure your doctors are communicating with each other and keep a close eye on the pregnancy and your kidney.

[mykala23]

I am currently 20 years old and thinking of donating a kidney to my uncle. I'm worried of what that could do to my chances of having a family in the future. The healthy of my baby. The risks that may come forth. Any experiences? Any advice?

[onekidneydanny]

I am 33 and pregnant and only have one right kidney. I am also having swelling can you please give me some advice on how to best take care of my body and my baby? Im almost 15 weeks pregnant, so far the baby is doing great.

[D_D1]

I was a premie born with one kidney. I had gotten pregnant then by the second month I became severly ill. It started with small pains similiar to menstrual cramps. Eventually the pain became unbearable and it lasted literally all day. No exaggeration. Eventually the pain stopped and was replaced my vomiting and dry heaves that would last 90% of the day. My stomach would be completly empty but my stomach would still try to vomit . My saliva turned yellow. I decided to go to the hospital i was given meds for the pain and nasuea. They doubled the dose because I wasnt getting any relief. After 3days they suggested i go home because there was nothing more they could do. I went home still nauseous and unable to eat anything.I eventually decided I couldn't handle it anymore and terminated the pregnancy. The following day my symptoms went away and I was fine. I don't know if having one kidney caused this or if it was something wrong with my body. That was my first pregnancy. I do want kid but after my first experience I want to try to concieve at a time when I can afford to be on bed rest the entire pregnancy if my pregnancy is complicated again.

[elliemarieph]

Hi I am 20 years old and have been thinking about my possibilities of being a mum. I was born with one kidney and I am just curious if it can have any affect on my baby being young with one kidney? I have never had any other problems other then kidney infections.

Any advise is much appreciated!!

[babycheller1]

i lost my kidney in july ....i have alway had my period on time evry time . well my last period was jan 23rd and i 3 weeks late  have not had a posative pee test yet,,,,could my kidney cause me not to be able  to take a home  test

[myersrj06]

I donated a kidney to my father when I was 31.  Six months later, became pregnant.  I delivered a healthy 9lb baby.  My doctor was aware that I had one kidney and kept a close eye on me.  My biggest struggle was water retention.  I had alot of swelling and doctor was afraid my kidney was working too hard.  I spent the last four weeks of my pregnancy on bed rest.  Other than that, things were great.
Just found out I'm pregnant with baby #2.

Good luck!

[abbie5603]

Hi, I am a 31 year old who has only just found out that I was born with one kidney. I have had one succesful pregnancy at age 26 but had high blood pressure throughout and was on bed rest for the last 3 months. After my pregnancy I was prescribed blood pressure medication until recently when my only having one kidney came to light. To cut a long story short I am planning on having another baby and have been treated by a private doctor rather than the NHS for my 'kidney problem' (which turned out to be me only having one) the private doctor has said that as long as all people treating you are aware you only have one kidney and treat you accordingly there is absolutely no reason you cannot have a perfectly normal healthy pregnancy. The only downside is that if you do not already have it you may develop high blood pressure, which is easily treated as long as its caught early.

Hope this helps some .

[Elizabeth123]

Hi.

I am 23 years old and I was born with one kidney and I plan to get pregnant in the future with my husband. Could you tell me what might happen to my body and kidney's when I do. I seem to can't find a urologist that will listen to me and care. I also have bladder problems. I live near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma if you could suggest a good doctor.
Thank you
Elizabeth

[habeebajg]

Hi.

Thanks for you posting and advice.  In the past I have spoken to my urologist and asked him if I could get pregnant and he said that I should be fine (though he is very carefree about things).  I also spoke to my regular doctor and she said the exact opposite! She said I would have a high-risk pregnancy and would be on bed rest right away.  Though I haven't asked either of them of the outcome of my kidneys if I did great pregnant.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Honestly, this is something that i may not answer very well. Pregnancy entails changes in the body and this involves changes in the genitourinary system as well.During  pregnancy you expect an increase in volume load and here the kidneys play a great role .In your case, it is best to discuss this with a urogynecologist or your OB/Gyne.They are in the best position to guide you with your decisions on starting a family.

I hope i can help more.