Response:

Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, toxins, and excess fluid. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and support red blood cell production. When kidney function declines, blood filtration becomes less efficient, toxins accumulate, and this can lead to kidney failure.

Kidney failure during pregnancy is a dangerous condition, increasing the risk of complications for both the mother and fetus. During pregnancy, the kidneys must work harder to filter the increased blood volume and process waste from both mother and baby. When kidney function declines, toxins easily accumulate, and the condition worsens. This often leads to high blood pressure, reduced urine output causing swelling, and difficulty in management. Anemia can also become severe, elevating the risk of pre-eclampsia, infections, premature birth, or fetal growth restriction, which contributes to a higher perinatal mortality rate.

Dr. Hung examines a pregnant woman with kidney failure during pregnancy. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

During pregnancy, women with kidney failure may experience symptoms including fatigue, nausea, decreased urine output, shortness of breath, swelling, or high blood pressure. Severe cases can lead to seizures. Pregnant women are also susceptible to urinary tract infections, glomerulonephritis, or cystitis, which can rapidly worsen kidney function and complicate the disease's progression.

Treatment for kidney failure during pregnancy is tailored to each patient. Those undergoing dialysis typically need more frequent and longer sessions to remove waste, maintain safe urea levels, and follow a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Women who have undergone a kidney transplant should only consider pregnancy at least one year post-transplant to reduce the risk of rejection and avoid medications unsafe for the fetus. Throughout pregnancy, doctors monitor and adjust the treatment plan to control blood pressure, prevent anemia, and protect kidney function.

If you are pregnant and have kidney failure, you should visit a specialized medical facility for evaluation of both your health and that of the fetus. If abnormal symptoms appear, such as excessive swelling, increased blood pressure, extreme fatigue, or decreased urine output, you should go to the hospital immediately for timely intervention.

Dr. Ha Tuan Hung, Master, Specialist II

Department of Nephrology - Dialysis

Tam Anh General Hospital