Posted by HFHS M.D.-MS on March 08, 1998 at 15:56:18:

In Reply to: pregnancy with kidney problems posted by pilar on March 05, 1998 at 19:35:22:

:
I'm sure you will say "see your doctor", and I plan too, but I'm
5 weeks pregnant with my first baby, and wont see a physician for
two weeks, and am desperate to know what danger i'm in.
10 months ago I had surgery on my left kidney to remove large stones
(too large for ultrasound). There were no complications, but it was a
painfull experience. I'm worried about: 1)is my kidney healed enough to
share space with a baby? & 2) is there risk of future problems, as i've
heard pregnancy can weaken the kidney.
The cause of the stones -"formations from infections", the cause of infection -
unknown.
I would appreciate your insight, thanks

Thanks Pilar for your question.
Your kidney should be well healed from surgery and there should be no problem with room for the baby. Have you had repeat x-rays before your pregnancy to see if all your stone was removed? Sometimes small fragments are missed / left and can possibly pass later. Hopefully not during your pregnancy. If you did not have x-rays since your surgery, your doctor may ask for an ultrasound of the kidneys to look for old or new stones. Don’t be alarmed if the US shows dilation of the urine tubes between the kidney and bladder. These ureters get more dilated as your pregnancy progresses so it maybe better to get the US earlier to distinguish between compressive/ hormonal dilation of pregnancy and possible blockage due to a passing stone. Large stones, like you describe can harbor infection. If you do have residual stone left from a previously infected stone it maybe very important to monitor your urine for infection especially during your pregnancy. Infections of the urine can be assymptomatic and cause preterm labor or miscarriage.
Keep drinking plenty of fluids, this will help prevent new stone formation and old stone growth.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. Drs. Menon and Littleton at our institution have much experience in stone disease and I would recommend that you see one of them if you desire an opinion or care at our institiution. If you would like to make an appointment please call us at (1-800-653-6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays (not just the reports) as well as any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: Kidney Stones in Pregnancy, Infected Kidney Stones