Kidney Stones and Pregnancy: What Every Woman Should Know
Kidney stones affect both the mother and the unborn baby, negatively impacting health, development, and delivery. Being pregnant doesn't necessarily increase the chances you're going to develop kidney stones, but being pregnant can make it harder to remedy them. Every pregnant, or soon-to-become pregnant, woman should pay special attention to habits that discourage kidney stones.
Why Should Pregnant Women Be Aware of Kidney Stones?
Aside from being extremely painful, kidney stones can affect the fetus and complicate birth – sometimes even causing preterm labor. Addressing kidney stones early is absolutely vital for drastically reducing the likelihood of premature delivery.[1]
What Causes Kidney Stones?
There are a variety of factors that contribute to kidney stones, including:
Fluid Intake
Not consuming enough water will tend to promote urine that is highly concentrated with nutrients like calcium or phosphorus, dramatically increasing the risk for developing kidney stones.[2]
Your Genes
Genetic factors also play a role in kidney stone formation. Families who have a high incidence of hypercalciuria, a condition where an abnormal amount of calcium is leached out into the urine, will have a heightened risk for developing kidney stones.[3]
Bowel Irritation
If gastrointestinal sensitivity is a concern for you, take note. Chronic inflammation of the bowels can increase your risk for developing kidney stones.[4]
Calcium Intake
Pregnant women typically need additional nutrients, including calcium. Too much calcium, however, can strain the kidneys. Additionally, calcium absorption is increased during pregnancy. Both of these factors can elevate your risk of developing stones.[5]
UTIs
Anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy can increase a woman's risk of developing kidney stones. Chronic and persistent urinary tract infections may be a symptom of kidney stones. Pregnant women who suffer from UTIs should mention and discuss the concern with their healthcare provider.[6]
What to do?
For most people, a stone is a painful experience; yet, around 70 to 80 percent of stones pass spontaneously without intense medical intervention. If an aggressive approach is required, surgery may be considered or even required.
X-rays
X-rays are usually a method of choice for determining the presence of kidney stones; however, most health professionals discourage their use during pregnancy. Radiation is emitted from X-ray machines, possibly affecting the developing fetus.[7] Currently, very little research is available to determine the exact effects radiation has on both the mother and the unborn child. With the risks of surgery and anesthesia, not to mention the risk of radiation exposure, minimally-invasive approaches, like an ultrasound, are often a better course of action for pregnant women.[8]
Ureteroscopy
A ureteroscopy involves placing a thin tube in the urethra to the site of the kidney stones, effectively removing them from the body.[9] As the complication rate for ureteroscopy during pregnancy is relatively low, it’s no wonder why physicians are becoming increasingly fond of using this stone-removal method.[10]
Shockwaves
Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to target and fragment stones and is a highly-utilized, minimally-invasive treatment.[11] While it's safe for most people, it's not clear if it's a viable option for pregnant women.[12] The effects of sound waves on the developing fetus may be too much of a risk, and most researchers and experts discourage the practice.[13]
Patience
Conservative management like bed rest and hydration can encourage stone passage.[14] Most painkilling medications are contraindicated during pregnancy since they may interfere with fetal health. If you must take a pain-relieving medication for kidney stones, be sure to check with your healthcare provider about its safety during pregnancy.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Obviously, avoiding kidney stones in the first place is the most ideal solution. Although there are no guarantees, the best way to prevent kidney stones during pregnancy is by promoting normal function of the kidneys by maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and eating kidney supporting foods.
References (14)
- Proia L, Lippa A, Valente A. Review on renal calculosis in pregnancy. Clinical Therapeutics. 1997 December;148(12):667-73.
- Carter MR, Green BR. Renal calculi: emergency department diagnosis and treatment. Emergency Medical Practice. 2011 July;13(7):1-17.
- Moe OW, Bonny O. Genetic hypercalciuria. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2005 Mar;16(3):729-745.
- McConnell N, Campbell S, Gillanders I, Rolton H, Danesh B. Risk factors for developing renal stones in inflammatory bowel disease. BJU International. 2002 June;89(9):835-41.
- Leanne Kolnick, MD, Bryan D. Harris, MD, David P. Choma, MD, PhD, and Neesha N. Choma, MD, MPH. Hypercalcemia in Pregnancy: A Case of Milk-Alkali Syndrome. Journal of General Internal Medicine. August 2011; 26(8): 939-942.
- Marlow RA. Nephrolithiasis in pregnancy. American Family Physician. 1989 September;40(3):185-9.
- Buchholz NP, Biyabani R, Sulaiman MN, Talati J. Urolithiasis in pregnancy--a clinical challenge. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 1998 September;80(1):25-9.
- Denstedt JD, Razvi H. Management of urinary calculi during pregnancy. The Journal of Urology. 1992 September;148(3 Pt 2):1072-4.
- Evans HJ, Wollin TA. The management of urinary calculi in pregnancy. Current Opinion in Urology. 2001 July;11(4):379-84.
- Semins MJ, Matlaga BR. Management of stone disease in pregnancy. Current Opinion in Urology. 2010 March;20(2):174-7. doi: 10.1097/MOU.0b013e3283353a4b.
- Monga M. Treating urinary tract stones: common questions about a common problem. Minnesota Medicine. 2010 August;93(8):36-8.
- Ackermann D, Merz V, Marth D, Zehntner C. Clinical experiences with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Swiss Medical Weekly. 1989 July 1;119(26):935-40.
- Asgari MA, Safarinejad MR, Hosseini SY, Dadkhah F. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of renal calculi during early pregnancy. BJU International. 1999 October;84(6):615-7.
- Maikranz P, Coe FL, Parks JH, Lindheimer MD. Nephrolithiasis and gestation. Baillière's Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1987 December;1(4):909-19.d
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
