Pregnancy can put a woman's body at risk, including conditions such as kidney disease. Although kidney disease doesn't always come with easily-identifiable symptoms, there are a few things that you can watch for. The sooner you identify the condition, the sooner your obstetrician can address treatment to reduce the creatinine buildup and deal with the other symptoms. Here are a few indications that you may have kidney problems during your pregnancy.
Preeclampsia
Kidney disease can cause your body to retain fluid. This retention leads to a condition called preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy. If you develop preeclampsia, your obstetrician will likely test your kidney function to see if it is contributing to the problem. It's important that you address it right away, because high blood pressure can damage your vascular system, which includes the blood vessels that are in your kidneys. This can hinder your kidney function further, worsening both conditions.
Urinary Tract Infections
If you develop a urinary tract infection while you're pregnant, that's a key indication that you may have kidney disease. In fact, in some cases, urinary tract infections can actually trigger the development of a kidney infection. It's important to seek treatment right away if you do develop a urinary tract infection, though. During pregnancy, an infection like this can cause renal failure. It may also lead to low birth weight or premature delivery.
High Creatinine Levels
Creatinine is the by-product of your kidney's natural breakdown of creatine. Creatine is an amino acid that your muscles need for strength and general health. Your kidneys have to work harder during pregnancy, and if that increased effort causes kidney disease, the blood vessels in your kidneys may become slightly permeable. If they do, creatinine can seep into your urine. Your obstetrician will likely require a urine sample at every single appointment, and one of the things that they typically test for is the presence of creatinine in your urine. High levels of creatinine in urine can indicate that your kidneys aren't functioning appropriately.
Understanding your risk factors for kidney disease and knowing the most common signs of its development are important at any stage of life, but particularly during pregnancy. If you have any reason to be concerned about the health of your kidneys during your pregnancy, talk with your obstetrician about testing your creatinine levels and your general kidney function. He or she can help you identify problems before they can lead to problems with your pregnancy. For assistance, talk to a professional like Pregnancy Center Of Wayne County.
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