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Journalism of Courage
Actor Ashwini Kalsekar recently opened up about her journey with infertility and the challenges she faced due to a kidney condition.
Sharing her story in an interview with Hauterrfly, when asked whether she and her husband Murali Sharma ever considered having kids, she revealed, “Honestly we did. But like I said I had this kidney issue… and surrogacy ka tabhi fashion nahi tha… tha toh humare paas utne paise nahi the (And surrogacy wasn’t in fashion at that time… and we didn’t have enough money either). We were still settling, we were still struggling. Aur phir koshish kari aur ek point pe doctor ne bola ki Ashwini, literally filmo mein bolte hain waisa ki (And then we tried, and at one point, the doctor said, ‘Ashwini, it’s literally like what they say in movies), ‘your kidney will not be able to take the load. So you will either harm yourself or the child’.”
But does kidney health play a crucial role in determining the safety of pregnancy? We ask an expert.
Dr Vinutha G, senior consultant obstetrics and gynaecology and women health expert at Athreya Hospital, says, “Kidney conditions significantly elevate the risks associated with pregnancy due to the essential role kidneys play in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, managing waste elimination, and regulating blood pressure — functions that are further taxed during pregnancy.”
Increased Demand: Pregnancy puts additional strain on the kidneys to support maternal and fetal metabolic needs.
Pre-Existing Damage: Women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may already have reduced kidney function, which can worsen during pregnancy.
Compromised Blood Pressure Control: Many kidney conditions are associated with hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for preeclampsia — a potentially life-threatening complication.
Dr Vinutha lists the complications that can arise from kidney issues:
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: Kidney conditions increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure and organ damage), which can lead to seizures, organ failure, or premature delivery.
Proteinuria: Excess protein in the urine is a hallmark of kidney dysfunction and can exacerbate pregnancy-related complications.
Impaired Foetal Growth: Reduced kidney function may lead to insufficient blood flow to the placenta, resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or preterm birth.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Women with existing kidney conditions are at higher risk of AKI during pregnancy due to the increased workload on the kidneys.
Maternal Health Decline: For individuals with severe kidney disease, pregnancy can accelerate the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Early detection of kidney issues during pregnancy is crucial for managing risks. Warning signs include unexplained swelling, persistent high blood pressure, foamy urine (proteinuria), excessive fatigue, reduced or dark-colored urine output, back or flank pain, and frequent UTIs. Regular diagnostic tests, such as urine and blood analyses, can help identify kidney dysfunction early, ensuring timely intervention and better outcomes, mentions Dr Vinutha.
Dr Vinutha notes that careful planning and proactive management are essential for a healthy pregnancy for women with kidney conditions. Key precautions include preconception counseling with specialists, tight blood pressure control using pregnancy-safe medications, a tailored diet, and frequent monitoring of kidney function and urine.
Prompt treatment of infections and lifestyle adjustments, such as staying hydrated and engaging in light activity, are also vital. In severe cases, Dr Vinutha suggests dialysis or multidisciplinary care may be required. With proper management, many women with kidney conditions can achieve successful outcomes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
