What happens if my baby has a swollen kidney in the womb?
Kidney swelling that is present after your baby’s birth may be a sign of a kidney problem. It might also be a sign of a problem with your baby’s ureter or bladder. These problems could lead to infections or other kidney issues.
What causes swollen kidneys in unborn babies?
Hydronephrosis is a condition where one or both kidneys become stretched and swollen as the result of a build-up of urine inside them. It can affect people of any age and is sometimes spotted in unborn babies during routine pregnancy ultrasound scans. This is known as antenatal hydronephrosis.
Can hydronephrosis be cured in babies?
Treatment often depends on the underlying cause. Although surgery is sometimes needed, in many cases hydronephrosis resolves on its own as a child grows, and surgery is not necessary. Essentially, hydronephrosis can be boiled down to a problem of urine flow.
Is fetal hydronephrosis serious?
Most cases do not cause problems for the fetus. For most babies born with prenatal hydronephrosis, their condition resolves over time and they require no treatment to pass urine normally. But more serious cases of prenatal hydronephrosis can result in urinary tract infections, scarring or permanent kidney damage.
Can severe fetal hydronephrosis correct itself?
Unborn babies with fetal hydronephrosis do not typically experience problems in the womb. In half of all cases, the condition resolves on its own by the third trimester. If the condition persists, it usually improves after childbirth without treatment.
Is hydronephrosis a birth defect?
Birth defects in the urinary tract may cause hydronephrosis. Even when birth defects are the cause, hydronephrosis may be mild and may improve as the child gets older. However, birth defects may also cause hydronephrosis that is severe or gets worse over time.
How can you tell if your baby has kidney problems?
Foetal multicystic dysplastic can be detected during an ultrasound exam. The effects of various kidney problems depend on its type and the severity of the condition. The foetal multicystic dysplastic kidney disorder may cause blockage in the kidneys and other complications.
What causes kidney problems in an unborn baby?
However, the following are certain assumptions regarding the causes: When the blockage occurs, it makes the urine to go back to the kidneys. This causes hydronephrosis. Polycystic kidney diseases may occur due to a genetic mutation. When the kidneys do not form properly in an unborn baby, it leads to the foetal multicystic dysplastic kidney.
What causes a swollen kidney in a pregnant woman?
The condition can be caused by a kidney stone (most common cause), blood clot, prostate enlargement, fecal impaction, injury, infection, radiation, or even a tumor. Pregnant women may also develop hydronephrosis as an enlarging uterus can create pressure, leading to the blockage of urinary output.
Can a swollen kidney cause a urinary tract infection?
Generally, hydronephrosis does not contribute to long-term problems as long as it is treated and diagnosed early on. In some cases, hydronephrosis can increase a person’s risk of developing urinary tract infections and, if left untreated, can cause scarring of the kidney, which could ultimately lead to kidney failure.