Is it normal for kidneys to hurt during pregnancy

The best way to avoid pyelonephritis is to: drink plenty of fluids go to the loo as soon as you need it go to the loo after sex wipe from front to back after going to the loo wash down below every day, and if possible before having sex treat any constipation as this can increase your risk of pyelonephritis. NHS Choices, Pyelonephritis treatment and antibiotics in pregnancy Pyelonephritis needs quick treatment with antibiotics to stop it from damaging the kidney or spreading to the bloodstream NHS Choices, This page was last reviewed in February Further information Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: Show references.

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Related articles. NCT Antenatal course Find out more. NCT Antenatal refresher course Find out more. The need of the body for water also increases during pregnancy. The lack of fluid intake may lead to dehydration and contribute to kidney stone formation. Typical clinical presentation of kidney stones: It is commonly mis-diagnosed as appendicitis, diverticulitis inflammation or colon wall or placental abruption.

Here are some common symptoms to look out for: Renal colic or severe abdominal or flank pain Radiating pain to the groin Occurrence of nausea and vomiting Dysuria or painful and frequent urination Haematuria or blood in the urine If the stone does not pass, it may initiate premature labor, produce intractable pain, cause urinary tract infection or even sepsis, or interfere with the progress of normal labor.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones during pregnancy Urolithiasisin pregnancy is often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Here the different ways to diagnose the disease: Laboratory Assessment - A urine culture and sensitivity can confirm infection, blood work can check kidney function and increased serum calcium requires further investigation. Obtaining the imaging with lower dose protocols to treat the stone is justified in certain cases. X-rays are absolutely contraindicated as these are more of a risk to the foetus.

Ultrasonography US — It is the first option for diagnosing kidney stones in pregnant women. Only skilled professionals can perform the procedure for both US and doppler US. However, ultrasound does not always show the presence of stones. Intravenous Urography or CT scanning — Only if the symptoms persist or symptoms are causing other complex problems, is this option used in pregnant woman.

Nuclear Renography — A radioisotope is injected into a vein allowing the radiologist to look at the kidneys. It is to check for functional studies. MRI has limited utility in such cases. Gestational diabetes. You may have gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. Left untreated, it can boost the risk for preeclampsia and premature birth. It can also increase the chance that your baby will be born with low blood sugar and breathing problems.

Hydronephrosis in babies Hydronephrosis is increasingly being found in unborn babies during routine ultrasound scans. As a parent, it can be worrying to learn your baby has a problem with their kidneys. Signs and symptoms Hydronephrosis does not always cause symptoms.

Symptoms can include: pain in your back or side — this may be sudden and severe, or may be a dull ache that comes and goes over time; it may get worse after you have drunk a lot of fluid symptoms of a UTI , such as needing to pee more often, pain or a burning sensation while peeing, and feeling tired and unwell blood in your urine urinating less often than you used to or with a weak stream You should see your GP if you develop severe or persistent pain in your back or side, have symptoms of a UTI, or notice a change in how often you urinate.

Read more about diagnosing hydronephrosis. What causes hydronephrosis? In adults, hydronephrosis is commonly caused by: kidney stones pregnancy an enlarged prostate gland in men narrowing of the ureters the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder caused by injury, infection or surgery some types of cancer, including kidney cancer , bladder cancer , prostate cancer or ovarian cancer Read more about the causes of hydronephrosis.

Treating hydronephrosis If you have hydronephrosis, your treatment will depend on what's causing the condition and how severe it is. Pregnant women and babies with the condition may not require any treatment.