Kidney failure, like any other kidney disease, can cause infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. This is because, due to kidney malfunction and the accumulation of toxins in the body, the body begins to produce less reproductive hormones, decreasing the quality of the eggs and making it difficult to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
In addition, women who have kidney disease and are still able to conceive have a higher risk of worsening kidney damage, as during pregnancy, the amount of fluids and blood in the body increases, increasing pressure on the kidney and causing its excessive functioning.
Even if hemodialysis is being performed, women with kidney failure or any other kidney problem are at greater risk of developing problems that can affect their health and that of the baby.
What problems can arise
In the pregnancy of a woman with kidney disease there is an increased risk of problems such as:
- Preeclampsia; Premature birth; Delayed growth and development of the baby; Abortion.
Thus, women with kidney problems should always consult with their nephrologist to assess what risks may arise for both their health and that of the baby.
When it's safe to get pregnant
Generally, women with mildly advanced chronic kidney disease, such as stage 1 or 2, can become pregnant, as long as they have normal blood pressure and little or no protein in the urine. However, in these cases it is recommended to keep frequent evaluations at the obstetrician, to ensure that there are no serious changes in the kidney or pregnancy.
In cases of more advanced disease, pregnancy is usually only indicated after a kidney transplant and as long as more than 2 years have passed, without signs of organ rejection or renal impairment.
Learn about the different stages of chronic kidney disease.
