Is Pregnancy Possible With Chronic Kidney Disorders?

The prevalence of? Chronic Kidney Disorders in women of reproductive age is increasing, rising from 13.2% from 1999 to 2010, and is estimated to affect 16.7% of women by 2030. World Health Organization report highlights that 1 in 6 people experience infertility. Pregnancy with CKD is rare. However, the number of pregnant females has increased worldwide in the last decade. The frequency of conception in the group with kidney disorders has been reported to be between 0.3% and 7% per year. A woman’s body changes during pregnancy, including increased blood volume, urine protein excretion, and cardiac issues.CKD patients, with or without dialysis, have a complex set of comorbidities that may cause complications during pregnancy. So, it is always necessary to take care of your kidneys, monitor the symptoms, avoid the causes, and take timely consultation.?

Possibility Of Pregnancy In Males & Females With CKD

Unique reproductive and gynaecological health concerns accompany CKD among females. There are reproductive hormonal disruptions, abnormal uterine bleeding, and the influence of menarche, which is bone growth and density in adolescents. Socioeconomic factors form further barriers, reducing fertility in CKD patients. Moreover, the risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases increases with transplantation. Although pregnancy is possible with CKD it might be accompanied by a high risk of maternal and fetal complications.

Women with CKD require special doctor advise and effective management during pregnancy. Those on dialysis have low fertility and high chances of unsuccessful pregnancies due to hypertension, preeclampsia, miscarriage, anaemia, intrauterine growth restrictions, and medications.? The medications prescribed, such as aspirin, calcium, iron, and antihypertensive drugs, should be taken with guidance and after consultation from a healthcare provider.

In men, CKD can affect testosterone hormone levels, leading to a rise in toxin levels in the body, thus affecting the quality and production of sperm. This can be caused by cardiovascular diseases, a decrease in nitric oxide synthesis, dysfunction of the nervous system, anaemia, obesity, zinc deficiency, and smoking. Medications can also impact fertility rates.

Being pregnant with kidney disease is possible but can lead to health risks for both moms and their babies. However, the chances of being pregnant with kidney disease are increasing with all stages of CKD, even for those undergoing dialysis or living with kidney transplants. Studies show that 1 to 7 per cent of women in the childbearing age with kidney issues and on dialysis can get pregnant. A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. However, about 80% of dialysis pregnancies go up to 32 weeks, resulting in premature birth.?

What Causes Kidney Disorders?

Hypertension, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the most common causes of kidney disease globally. If the damage is slow, one may notice the signs and symptoms of CKD over time. It may cause nausea, vomiting, low appetite, cramps, swelling of feet, and other issues like frequent or less urination.?

Is Pregnancy Possible With Dialysis?

The body of someone on dialysis has more waste products than the body with normal kidney function. Having extra waste in the body makes it difficult for the baby to develop. Healthy kidneys work overtime during pregnancy to clean the blood as the baby releases wastes into the mother’s bloodstream. If kidneys are not functioning properly, then one needs to undergo more frequent dialysis for clean blood for a healthy pregnancy.

A woman’s fertility returns to normal after a successful kidney transplantation. Reports suggest that 20% of female who seek kidney transplantation conceive compared to 1 to 7% of women on dialysis. However, pregnancy is not recommended for at least a year after a kidney transplant, even with stable kidney function. It is recommended that women with Kidney issues or who have undergone transplantation should consult their healthcare provider before planning pregnancy.

If someone on dialysis becomes pregnant, then extra care and monitoring is required from a healthcare professional with ultrasounds to identify the baby’s progress and treat problems in their early stages. Moreover, women on dialysis experience feelings of loss, feel unfulfilled in their role as women and feel negative about themselves and their sexuality. They need proper counselling and care from an expert. With advancements in technology in fertility procedures, patients have more options than before. If a female patient is ovulating, her eggs can be frozen and then fertilised with the sperm of her husband when they are ready to start a family.?

When To Consult A Healthcare Provider?

If you are a patient with CKD and planning conception, it’s crucial to connect with a healthcare expert before conception. Seek the right advice to optimize your kidney function and manage the complications for a smooth pregnancy. Monitor and manage your blood pressure, check protein levels in your urine, consult a dietician for nutritional guidance, and modify your lifestyle before starting a pregnancy journey. Adequate prenatal care and proactive communication with healthcare providers can help you manage the complications caused by CKD during pregnancy.

Crysta IVF provides personalized treatment plans to meet the needs of individual couples and expert guidance from their experienced doctors so that you can plan your journey to pregnancy and start a family without any worries.