Kidney stones occur in about 0.49% of pregnancies, which means about one out of every 204 pregnant women will get them. This statistic comes from a study that reviewed data from 4.7 million pregnancies. Pregnant women experiencing kidney stones face increased risks for adverse birth outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and caesarian sections.

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and cause pain. They are more common during pregnancy for several reasons. Understanding these reasons can help pregnant women take care of themselves and seek medical help when needed. So, let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment of kidney stones during pregnancy. Understanding the risk factors can help you take the preventative measures required to keep your risk of kidney stones during pregnancy under control.

Hormonal Changes and Their Impact

During pregnancy, the body produces increased levels of a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone plays an important role in maintaining the pregnancy by relaxing the muscles in the uterus and preventing contractions. However, this hormone also relaxes the smooth muscles in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and the bladder itself.

This relaxation of the urinary tract muscles slows down the flow of urine. When urine moves more slowly, it can become stagnant, meaning it stays in one place for longer periods. Stagnant urine creates an environment where the minerals and salts naturally present in urine can crystallise and stick together, forming kidney stones.

Increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy thus contribute to a higher risk of developing kidney stones because the relaxed muscles and slower urine flow provide ideal conditions for stone formation. This is a natural part of pregnancy, but it means that pregnant women need to be extra vigilant about their urinary health.

Dehydration: A Common Reason

Pregnant women need to drink more water than usual because their bodies are working harder to support the growing baby. The increased blood volume and the need to produce amniotic fluid, which surrounds and protects the baby, all require extra fluids.

If a pregnant woman does not drink enough water, her urine can become concentrated. Concentrated urine means there is less water relative to the amount of waste products being excreted. When urine is concentrated, the minerals and salts in the urine are more likely to stick together and form crystals, which can then grow into kidney stones.

Dehydration can be more common during pregnancy because of increased fluid needs and sometimes nausea or vomiting, which can also reduce fluid intake. Therefore, it is essential for pregnant women to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps dilute the urine, making it less likely for stones to form.

Dietary Changes and Supplementation

During pregnancy, it is common for women to take extra calcium to support their baby's bone development. Calcium is vital for building strong bones and teeth for the baby, and it also plays important roles in muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood clotting.

However, if a pregnant woman consumes too much calcium, especially without adequate fluid intake, the excess calcium that is not used by the body can end up in the kidneys. This excess calcium can combine with other substances in the urine, such as oxalates or phosphates, to form kidney stones.

It is important for pregnant women to balance their calcium intake with sufficient fluid consumption. Drinking plenty of water helps dissolve and flush out the excess calcium, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. Additionally, pregnant women should follow their healthcare provider's recommendations regarding calcium supplementation and dietary intake to ensure they are getting the right amount for their and their baby's health without increasing the risk of kidney stones.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Kidney stones can cause several symptoms that are important to recognise, especially during pregnancy. These symptoms include: 

• Severe pain in the back or belly
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Frequent urination. 

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Top urologists in South Delhi at MASSH can use ultrasounds and other tests to detect and diagnose kidney stones. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage the condition and prevent complications for both the mother and the child.

Surgical Interventions

If kidney stones do not pass on their own, the other course of treatment is surgery. Urologists in South Delhi use advanced methods that are less invasive, meaning they involve smaller cuts and lead to faster recovery with less pain. Kidney stone removal surgery in Delhi includes:

• Ureteroscopy: A thin, flexible tube is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone and remove it.
   
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A small incision is made in the back to directly remove the kidney stone.
   
• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): High-energy shock waves are used to break kidney stones into small pieces that can be passed through urine.

Preventive Measures

Prevention of kidney stones is very important to ensure a safe pregnancy. To lower the risk of kidney stones during pregnancy, you can follow these simple tips:

• Drink plenty of water every day to help prevent kidney stones from forming.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes the right amount of calcium and other nutrients to keep your body and Kidney healthy.
• Pay attention to signs of kidney stones, such as pain or blood in the urine, and see a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
• Attend all your prenatal check-ups to catch any problems early and ensure both your health and your baby’s health.

For more information about kidney stone treatment and prevention or to find the best kidney stone hospital in Delhi, visit our website at MASSH.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be a problem during pregnancy, but they are manageable. By knowing the risk factors and taking steps to prevent them, pregnant women can reduce their chances of getting kidney stones. If you have symptoms, see a urologist in South Delhi at MASSH for quick and effective treatment to keep both you and your baby healthy. 

At MASSH, we specialise in preventative and functional medicine as well as minimally invasive surgeries. Both these treatment processes can be used to treat kidney stones in a timely manner with minimal risks and quick recovery. Preventative and functional medicine at MASSH focuses on using lifestyle and dietary changes to help you pass kidney stones naturally, whereas minimally invasive surgeries are highly specialised and sophisticated surgical treatments which can help you treat even the most complex kidney stone cases. Check out our website to learn more about kidney stone treatments at MASSH.