Fetal hydronephrosis

[kinipela7]

Does anyone have any experience with this?  Had my anatomy scan the other day and turns out baby has this.  No one seems worried and worst case scenario is the baby would have to have surgery at some point if it doesn't correct itself (which half of the cases do).  Going to get monitored via ultrasound then in 3rd tri will see a urologist for another scan.  

Not sure why I can't just have a normal pregnancy!  

[microworm]

scotty138 isn't this what your ds2 had?

[athn64]

I have no experience, but I'm sorry that something showed up on your scan. I hope the rest of your pregnancy is uneventful.

[scotty138]

Yes, my DS2 has hydronephrosis. He also has several other issues caused by his urinary tract not developing properly. Here is probably way too much info, but tldr: it almost always resolves on its own if no other issues are present.

The good news is that hydronephrosis is actually quite common and resolves on its own most of the time. It is caused by either a narrowing of part of a tube or reflux.

The narrowing can be in the urethra or the ureter (between kidney and bladder). If it was in the urethra you would see a very full bladder as well as hydronephrosis. Basically, fluid accumulates when the kidney can't drain fast enough. If baby doesn't outgrow the blockage (Which most do) it is easily fixed with an outpatient procedure.

Reflux is rated on a scaled of 1-5. 1-3 almost always resolve on their own. 4 is about a 50/50 chance and 5 needs surgery. The surgery moves the ureter so it enters the bladder at a different angle to prevent reflux.

By your next appt, the hydronephrosis might already be gone. If not, baby might need an u/s or VCUG when born (series of xrays with a catheter and contrast). If it is severe reflux like my son's, baby will be put on prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection until baby outgrows the issue or has surgery.

[kinipela7]

scotty138 - thanks for the info! has your son needed surgery?

[scotty138]

Jun 16, 2017 19:55:41 GMT -5 kinipela7 said:

scotty138 - thanks for the info! has your son needed surgery?

He does need surgery. He has grade 5 reflux to a small malformed kidney, a torturous ureter, and a cyst. His kidney is starting to fail so we are rechecking him at 15 months (in a week) to see whether he needs reimplantation or kidney removal. He is basically worse case scenario.

My brother had reimplantation surgery when he was 13. He has some kidney damage from infections when he was young but is otherwise healthy. It is amazing they can catch it early now and prevent damage.

[scotty138]

Just want to add - enjoy your pregnancy and try not to worry until you have to. I know it can be tough. Hydronephrosis on its own does not mean your LO will need surgery. I hope it all turns out well. If you need any more advice or info feel free to tag me or PM.