Pregnancy can put extra strain on the kidneys: Doctor explains how conditions like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes may raise future kidney disease risk

Pregnancy is a natural physiological process that causes many temporary changes in the woman's kidneys. The kidneys increase their function (measured as the glomerular filtration rate) by about 50 percent. There is also an increase in kidney size. These changes are essential to cope with the increase in demand from the pregnant mother and the growing fetus. However, in some cases these changes can be detrimental to the mother because of various reasons.

Because of the increased workload and increased in size, the kidneys are usually at the limits of their reserve during pregnancy. They are therefore more susceptible to insults and many risk factors can cause damage to the kidneys and increase the chances of progressive kidney failure later in life.





One of the most important risk factors is preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood effectively. Women who experience severe or repeated preeclampsia have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease later in life.

Another disease associated with kidney problems is gestational hypertension. High blood pressure during pregnancy can put a strain on the kidneys. This may cause complications for women in the future. Women who have developed gestational diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing future kidney problems if they do not control their high blood sugar levels.

In addition, pregnancy may also reveal undiagnosed kidney diseases. This is because pregnancy is a time of added strain for the kidneys. Any problems that may be developing in the kidneys may be detected during routine tests.

Despite these possible risks, most pregnancies do not result in permanent damage to the kidneys. Regular prenatal care, blood pressure monitoring, and urine tests are all critical for the early detection of complications. Living a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and seeking medical care when necessary can minimize the long-term risks.

In conclusion, it is important to note that although the kidney undergoes many changes during pregnancy, medical supervision is vital in maintaining the health of the kidney. It is imperative that all pregnant women undergo a thorough urine analysis during pregnancy. This is because it can help in the early detection of complications.

(Dr. Satish Balan, Consultant, Department of Nephrology, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram)