Contents
Kidney problems in pregnant women: why kidneys fail
Kidney problems are one of the most common pathologies in expectant mothers. Due to the increased stress on the body during pregnancy, doctors regularly monitor how the kidneys are working. Violations can appear for various reasons.
Why do kidneys fail in pregnant women?
Most often, the kidneys in pregnant women fail in the middle of the term or in the last weeks of bearing a child. The increased work of the maternal body and the active release of progesterone leads to an increase in the volume of blood pumped through the kidneys. As a result, the cups and pelvis expand noticeably. Against the background of such changes, the risk of infection of the urinary system increases.
Inflamed kidneys in pregnant women – the cause of general malaise
The impetus for the failure of the kidneys can be:
- Getting into the bladder of an infection, under the influence of which the kidneys work in an enhanced mode. The inflammatory process often leads to kidney failure.
- Active growth of the uterus, which compresses the internal organs. As a result, the outflow of urine is disrupted, creating favorable conditions for the development of a bacterial infection.
- The presence of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, nasopharynx. Tonsillitis, frequent colds and caries adversely affect the functioning of the kidneys.
- A noticeable weakening of the immune system.
If, even before pregnancy, kidney problems made themselves felt, when carrying a child, you need to be especially vigilant of your condition. Any warning signs deserve attention.
How do kidney problems manifest in pregnant women?
The expectant mother can suspect kidney failure by the following symptoms:
- feeling very weak;
- worsening sleep at night;
- the appearance of a severe headache;
- feeling of constant dry mouth and thirst;
- the appearance of pain in the lumbar region;
- swelling of the legs and arms;
- the appearance of shortness of breath, even with light exertion.
If at least one of these signs is present, you should immediately go to see a doctor. The specialist will prescribe the necessary tests to confirm or exclude the diagnosis. Failed kidneys can only be treated in a hospital setting. The consequences of the violation are an increase in blood pressure, fluid retention in the body, malnutrition of the fetus and even miscarriage or premature birth. If this pathology manifests itself in the third trimester, an emergency caesarean section is usually performed.
In order to prevent the development of an acute condition, a special gentle diet must be followed throughout pregnancy. When organizing a diet, the intake of fluid and salt into the body is limited. Other preventive measures are also observed, correctly planning the daily regimen, excluding hypothermia, insufficient personal hygiene.