Kidney failure, just like any other kidney disease, can cause infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. This is because, due to malfunctioning of the kidney and the accumulation of toxins in the body, the body begins to produce fewer reproductive hormones, decreasing the quality of the eggs and making it difficult to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
In addition, women who have kidney disease and still get pregnant have a greater risk of worsening kidney damage, as during pregnancy, the amount of fluid and blood in the body increases, increasing pressure on the kidney and causing it to over run.
Even if you are on hemodialysis, women with kidney failure or any other kidney problem are at a higher risk of developing problems that may affect their health and that of their baby.
What problems may arise
In pregnancy of a woman with kidney disease there is an increased risk of problems such as:
- Pre eclampsia;
- Premature birth;
- Delay in baby's growth and development;
- Abortion.
Thus, women with kidney problems should always consult with their nephrologist to assess the risks that may arise for their health and that of the baby.
When It Is Safe To Get Pregnant
Generally, women with low-grade chronic kidney disease, such as Stage 1 or Stage 2, may become pregnant as long as they have normal blood pressure and little or no protein in the urine. However, in these cases it is recommended to keep frequent evaluations in the obstetrician to ensure that there are no serious changes in the kidney or gestation.
In cases of more advanced disease, pregnancy is usually only indicated after a kidney transplant and since it has been more than 2 years, with no signs of organ rejection or renal impairment.
Learn more about the different stages of chronic kidney disease.
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