Renal disease in pregnancy

Question 1

Describe changes to renal function in pregnancy

Answer 1

• increased renal blood flow
• increased glomerular filtration
• kidneys increase in size and dilate
• bladder capacity doubles by term, decreased bladder tone, more stasis so increased risk UTIs
• glycosuria common due to decreased renal threshold
• proteinuria common
• increased sodium absorption may lead to oedema

Question 2

List 7 renal conditions in pregnancy

Answer 2

• Asymptomatic bacteriuria
• Urinary tract infection/cystitis
• Pyelonephritis
• chronic renal disease (often associated with diabetes or hypertension)
• acute renal failure (preeclampsia, oliguria, acute pyelonephritis, fatty liver)
• renal transplant