Although during pregnancy it is very common to feel pain in the lower back caused by changes in the curvature of the back due to the growth of the uterus, we must be very attentive to any severe kidney pain or that is accompanied by other alarm symptoms, as it could indicate the presence of another more serious pathology such as kidney stones.
Kidney stones are small, compact formations of waste that can obstruct the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidney, causing severe pain and making it difficult to pass urine.
But acute kidney pain is not always due to the presence of stones. We explain what they are and why kidney colic occurs during pregnancy, treatment and prevention.
Why does the risk of kidney colic increase during pregnancy?
As the pregnancy progresses, a woman’s body changes to adapt to the growth of the baby. This causes many organs to move slightly, or even become somewhat compressed by the volume that the uterus reaches.
The urinary system is one of the most affected , since both the bladder and the kidneys are compressed by the uterus. This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and / or colicky pain from inflammation of the kidney, a phenomenon known as hydronephrosis .
But although it does not occur with the same frequency, hydronephrosis can also occur due to another more serious condition: acute obstruction of the urinary tract due to the presence of stones (lithiasis).
This occurs when the substances that must be discharged through the urine (oxalates, uric acid, calcium, phosphates or cystine, among others) crystallize and become trapped in the urinary tract, hindering the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder. .
Among the main causes of lithiasis in pregnancy are hormonal changes, decreased normal function of the kidneys and the aforementioned compression of these by the uterus.
Syndrome of hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis usually appears from the second trimester , more frequently on the right side and especially in the first pregnancy. In most cases it does not cause symptoms, but in others the inflammation of the kidney is accompanied by:
- Very severe pain in one side and lower back , which can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.
- Pain or stinging when urinating and an urgent need to do so. Blood may also appear in the urine.
- Nausea, vomiting, and feeling sick.
- Fever.
Symptoms of hydronephrosis by understanding the kidney can become similar to those caused by the presence of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. That is why it is important that before the sudden onset of pain in the lower back or discomfort accompanied by other symptoms, the doctor is consulted immediately to determine the cause and treat.
Is it dangerous for the baby?
Colic to the kidney by itself does not affect the development of the baby, but if pain and symptoms are not controlled, it could trigger contractions that speed up labor prematurely.
How are hydronephrosis and kidney stone colic diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose this condition, the doctor will perform a physical examination, blood and urine tests, and ultrasound to look at the kidneys and determine the presence and location of kidney stones.
In the case of hydronephrosis without stones , treatment will be aimed at relieving pain with analgesics and antibiotics if there is an infection. In more serious cases, hospital admission to administer the medication intravenously and have the mother more controlled could be indicated.
If the presence of kidney stones is observed, the treatment will be similar, in addition to waiting for the spontaneous expulsion of the stones through the urine. If this does not occur or the symptoms are severe, the doctor will have to resort to other techniques that allow urine to escape, postponing treatments aimed at destroying or removing stones until after delivery.
Prevention measures
Although the risk of hydronephrosis and kidney stones increases with pregnancy, there are certain preventive measures we can take to reduce risks:
- Increase your water intake, as fluids help to dilute the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.
- Take care of your diet and eat a healthy and balanced diet , eliminating soft drinks, sugars, saturated fats and processed foods.
- Take care of the weight you gain during pregnancy.
- Get regular exercise.
- If you have previously suffered kidney stones , discuss it with your gynecologist at your first pregnancy visit so that they can offer you prevention guidelines so that this episode does not recur.
Via | Mayo Clinic, Boston Scientific, Hospital Quirón Salud, Scielo
