Pregnancy is a beautiful journey – until your kidney decides to throw a stunning party with some uninterrupted guests: kidney stones. Thanks to the mixture of hormonal roller coaster, calcium on loose, and hydration conflicts, these troubleshooters find the right setup to crash the party.

To make cases worse, a ever expanded uterus slows down things in the urinary department. Given, diagnosed and treating limited imaging options and pregnancy-safe remedies, it is difficult to diagnose and treat them. Therefore, if you are expecting, living hydrated and mindful dietary options, then these pesky can help keep pebbles in the Gulf! But wait, read to know what experts have said.

Some physical changes during pregnancy, Dr. Shweta Mendiratta, Associate Director-Obstricics and Gynecology, Marngo Asia Hospital, Faridabad, says, the possibility of development of kidney stones may increase: an increase in calcium emissions in the urine, increase in calcium emissions, hormonal variations, and reducing the intake of fluid. She says that the extended uterus compresses the urinary system, which leads to the stagnation of the urine and allows to accumulate further.

Dr. Mendirta states that kidney stones can capture significant discomfort for birth preliminary women. Usually severe back and/or abdominal pain, hematuria (blood in urine), or urinary tract infection, this actually gives a challenge to the proper diagnosis. “Imaging options are limited, so the scans are only by preference as safe diagnostic imaging by ultrasound, while the use of MDCT is saved to prevent the fetus from harassing in the first trimester,” she says.

About treatment, Dr. Mendirat says that it will mainly include signs and care of the mother and fetus. If the stones are small, hydration is recommended, allowing them to pass. She states that pain management contains pregnancy-safe drugs such as acetaminophen.

If stone blocks the urinary tract or if recurrent infections arise, it suggests that ureter stenting procedures may be necessary. As a preventive measure, she recommends adequate hydration, balanced diet habits and avoid excessive calcium supplementation without prior medical advice.

Dr. Bhanu Mishra, Advisor to BLK Max Super Specialty Hospital, Nephrologist says that hormonal changes play a role in the formation of kidney stone during pregnancy. He said that increase in progesterone levels reduces urinary tract dynamics, allowing urine toilet and increases the chances of stone formation.

Dr. Mishra further states that calcium metabolism changes during pregnancy, which increases calcium absorption. He says that this, in turn, increases the level of urine calcium, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stone.

On the issue of dehydration, they say that many pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, which reduces their fluid intake. He warns that insufficient hydration focuses urine, is in favor of crystallization and increases the risk of kidney stones.

Experts also suggest that dietary changes during pregnancy can contribute to the formation of kidney stone. He says that pregnancy craving can cause greater consumption of oxalate foods such as spinach, nuts and chocolate, or a high sodium intake, both can increase the risk of stone.

Discussing the clinical boundaries, Dr. Mishra explains that imaging techniques such as CT scan during pregnancy are generally avoided due to radiation risks. This, he says, diagnosing kidney stones especially challenging in pregnant women makes it especially challenging.

Regarding treatment limits, Dr. Mishra says that many common treatment approaches, including some pain medications and shock wave lithotripsy, are unsafe during pregnancy. He explains that these restrictions significantly limit medical intervention available for kidney stone management.

• Dr. Mishra recommends hydrated by drinking between 2.5 and 3 liters of water daily to reduce urinary concentration.
• He recommends a balanced diet with adequate calcium intake from food sources while avoiding additional sodium and oxalate foods.
• Dr. Mishra suggests regular urinary testing to the formation of early stone or infections.
• For pain management, he said that only pregnancy-safe analgesic, such as acetaminophen, should be taken if necessary.
• He highlights that moderate physical activity can support renal function and prevent urine stagnation.

Now get the latest news with health and braking news and top headlines worldwide.