Urolithiasis is a condition that occurs when kidney stones are formed and moved out of the kidney to the other parts of the urinary system which includes the ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is a major health concern during pregnancy that may be associated with multiple risks for the fetus and mother including preterm delivery, premature rupture of the membrane, preeclampsia, and pregnancy loss. it is considered the most common complication in pregnant women that is not related to pregnancy and leads to hospital admission.
Symptoms during pregnancy may be like the symptoms of other emergencies such as appendicitis.
Severe pain in the side and back (below the ribs on one side of the body)
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Bloody urine
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Visit a Urologist if you have any of these symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment,
and keep your Gynaecologist updated during follow-up visits
Deposition of some substances or salts that form crystals that stick together to form stones due to their increased concentration. Some physiological changes during pregnancy may aid in this process.
Risk factors
Increased age (30-50 years)
Family history of having kidney stones
Decreased water intake/dehydration
Hot and dry weather
Diet rich in sodium, calcium, and red meat
Obesity
Diagnosis is challenging in some cases due to limited imaging options due to safety issues related to pregnancy.
Ultrasound imaging (a procedure in which ultrasound waves are used to produce an image of the kidney and urinary system to detect the presence of stones).
Laboratory tests (blood and urine samples are taken to detect the presence of high concentrations of the substances leading to stone formation, urine samples are examined for the presence of blood in them).
During pregnancy, the treatment should be managed by a team including a Gynaecologist, Radiologist, and Urologist.
Spontaneous passage of the stone (common in 80% of the cases) that requires:
Drinking large amounts of water
Using analgesics (ex: Morphine, Hydromorphone hydrochloride)
Ureteroscopy: a procedure in which a small flexible telescope is inserted through the urethra to reach the stone and remove it or break it into small parts first to be removed.
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