Along with the other challenges faced by women while they are pregnant, you can add the risk of developing a kidney stone.
The risk of stone formation during pregnancy.
A woman’s physiology changes dramatically during pregnancy, which can influence her chances of developing a new stone. While some changes increase a woman’s likelihood of forming a new stone, others decrease it. The end result is that the rate of stone formation during pregnancy actually appears similar to the rate in non-pregnant women and has been estimated to occur in 1 in 1500 pregnancies.
Changes during pregnancy that have an effect on stone formation:
- A woman’s cardiovascular system increases it output.
- Her kidneys increases their filtration activity.
- More calcium is absorbed by the intestines and more is released into the urine.
- Other urinary substances also increase including citrate, which helps prevent stones.
- The upper urinary tract (including kidneys and ureters) become dilated due to compression from the uterus and the effects of hormones. This is more pronounced on the right side and can lead to slower transport of urine and higher chances of infection or stone formation.
When do stones present during pregnancy and what are the chances of spontaneous passage?
Researchers in France have recently compared 244 pregnant women who formed stones with 5,712 non-pregnant female stone formers (Meria and coworkers). They found that stone episodes during pregnancy occurred primarily during the second and third trimesters, which accounted for 39% and 46% of the episodes. Encouragingly, 81% of the pregnant women were able to successfully spontaneously pass their stones in their group of patients, a much higher success rate than in the non-pregnant women (47%). Stones in the pregnant women were more likely to be calcium phosphate in nature rather than the more common calcium oxalate stones seen in the general population, reinforcing the fact that stone formation during pregnancy is a result of unique pregnancy related changes in physiology. More recent research published by Burgess and colleagues from Minnesota also found a high percentage of calcium phosphate stones but reported a much lower successful spontaneous passage rate of only 48%.
Diagnosis and treatment of stones during pregnancy.
The diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones during pregnancy can be more difficult because the need to limit radiation from x-rays to the growing baby makes diagnosing stones less certain and concerns about potential health risks of stone surgery when a woman is pregnant can restrict the surgical options available.
Radiation exposure from x-rays or CT scans used to diagnose a stone is more of a risk to the fetus during the first trimester. While the risk is lower during the second and third trimester, experts do not agree on whether there is a “safe” level or radiation and the philosophy of avoiding unnecessary radiation and minimizing it when it is unavoidable is advisable. This strategy includes using ultrasound or MRI initially to establish a diagnosis. However, these studies are not as accurate as CT for the diagnosis of stones. Because an undiagnosed stone can carry its own risks to the mother and fetus (pain, infection, preterm labor, and hypertension), in certain cases, the risk of obtaining imaging in order to treat a stone may be justified. Low dose CT scan protocols or plain x-rays may be used in these situations to still limit the amount of radiation exposure.
Once a stone is diagnosed, the decision to treat or observe it depends on factors such as whether pain is uncontrolled, infection is present, or kidney function is impaired. When these conditions are not present, a trial of passage or observation with planned treatment after delivery should be considered first because half or more of these stones will pass spontaneously. If intervention is needed, the options include placement of a ureteral stent or nephrostomy tube. If a stent is chosen, it may need to be changed every 2 months or more frequently because of the faster development of stent encrustation (stone particles forming on a stent) that occurs in pregnant women. A nephrostomy tube, placed through the skin directly into the kidney, avoids this issue but is associated with the inconvenience of requiring an external drainage bag. Treatment during pregnancy is usually limited to ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. Shockwave lithotripsy is not performed because of risks from the shockwaves on the developing fetus and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy is avoided because of the belly down position necessary for surgery. Both procedures also require a moderate amount of undesirable x-rays.
Steps you can take.
The most important step you can take to help prevent the development of a kidney stone while you are pregnant is to keep your water intake high. This will make your urine more dilute and make it less likely a new stone will form.
It is important to seek professional evaluation and care if you think you may be suffering from a stone. Typical symptoms of a stone during pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, and flank or abdominal pain.
References
Thomas et al, “Urologic emergencies during pregnancy.” Urology, 2010.
Meria et al, “Stone formation and pregnancy: pathophysiological insights gained from morphoconstitutional stone analysis.” Journal of Urology, 2010.
Burgess et al. “Diagnosis of Urolithiasis and Rate of Spontaneous Passage During Pregnancy.” Journal of Urology, 2011.
I am 3 time pegnant now just week before i hv back pain i gone to doctor they checkup sent for scanning its showing 10mm stone. Now 13 week pegnant i am not understaning what to do please help till time of delivery.
I need help I’m a 28 year old female have a kidney stone ,went through ESWL on the 11th of august & a stent was inserted then after 6weeks when I went for a checkup they told me I still have the stone so I did another shockwave on the 9th of october but the stone in the kidney I’m so miserable I wish I had a medical aid cause in the public hospital they just do shockwave several times I’m now scared my contract will be terminated at work ,is there anything I can drink to break the stone without doing the shockwave ?
I’ve had stones since I was 12 and they come and go. They usually get broken up and pass through my system. Luckily no surgeries! I’m now 31 and 37 weeks pregnant. I usually feel the pain when I drink too much caffeine…coke, Pepsi, and this time I think it was decaf coffee and not enough water. I’ve been drinking and eating a lot of pineapple and some cranberry juice here and there. Usually the pineapple does the trick, but this time around my pain hasn’t fully seized. Thankfully now it’s been more of a discomfort and I haven’t had to take the pain meds and other meds prescribed to me.
Also, about work…if you’re in CA you can’t be discriminated against and or terminated due to a medical condition. Ask your employer for a reasonable accommodation (whether it be time off) to get medical attention. If you’re terminated because of it you can file a complaint with DFEH. If not in CA you file with EEOC. Your job should be protected.
Hi There
I am now 33 years old and have suffered with recurrent kidney stones since I was 19 years old and still going strong.
Since I have had 50 surgeries to remove stones as I haven’t been so lucky as to always pass them, it has scarred my kidney and thus damaged the valve on the left kidney causing reflux back into my kidney.
I was scheduled for surgery again on 5 Nov and have since found out I am 5 weeks pregnant.
Seeing the doc this afternoon but wanting to know if anyone has been for surgery whilst pregnant
This sounds really weird. But here goes. My first pregnancy. I had kidney stones at 6months. The pain was excruciating I thought I was in labour and washed rushed to hospital. Luckily I passed about 2 stones the next day and everything went well thereafter. This happened 4 years ago. Today I’m almost 7 months pregnant and for some unexplainable reason I have passed 2 stones over 2 weeks with no pain what so ever……..I don’t know, but is it the excessive oranges I have been eating for months that it helped the process of breaking down my kidney stones?
At 24 weeks I was admitted to the hospital due to flank pain, blood in urine, and very little urine. An ultrasound showed severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney. They attempted a stent but were unable to place it. I ended up having a right neph tube placed. Due to the stones and sediment my kidney produces I have had over 9 tube changes, 3 which were completely clogged. Week 31 I wounded up in labor and delivery with severe left flank pain and unable to uronate. Ultrasound showed my left kidney/ureter completely obstructed. I had a left neph tube placed. I have been hospitalized since until delivery due to complications and horrendous pain. We don’t know what’s in store for me after delivery since I so produce a lot of stones. If you have any issues like I have mentioned get it looked at ASAP! You don’t want your kidneys to fail! My left one was in pretty bad shape!
Hello ladies
I am freaking out I have had kidney stone problems for over 6 months about a month ago I had a ct scan and it was confirmed one kidney is full of stones and my other is swollen from a blockage to my urethra waiting on an appointment to see the specialist to see what surgery he plans on doing. The problem is I think I might be pregnant I didn’t think this was possible since I also have PCOS and up until 6 months ago I was seeing a fertility specialist and had 4 failed IUI’s done so getting pregnate on my own wasn’t thought of. I am very worried that if I am pregnant this will end in tragic and loss the baby. Is there treatment that can be done while pregnate?
Hi, I am currently 30 weeks pregnant. In the last 14 weeks I have had pain in my back and going down to my front on a weekly basis where I have vomited due to the intense pain and have not been able to attend to daily activities. On three occasions at 16 weeks pregnant; 20 weeks pregnant and 29 weeks pregnant the pain was so unmanageable and i was vomiting for days that I was admitted to hospital via A&E. The first time I was given codeine and told to go home and pass them although when the pain came back a day later and codeine did not have an effect I had an ultrasound to detect whether I had a stone and where it was- no stone was found and I was told that this was probably as it was under 5mm which wouldn’t be detected on an ultrasound. On the second occasion I was kept in hospital given codeine and hydrated and told I was probably a kidney stone producer. Last week the pain hit again and I was admitted back to the ante natal clinic where I had been every other time and it was this time round I felt like I was in the wrong place and the obstetricians weren’t very sure on how to care for me apart from giving painkillers. I was offered another ultrasound this time round done by someone with more expertise who didn’t just look for a stone but measured my kidneys and noticed one was enlarged but still could see no stone which is normal in pregnancy as your bowels cover a lot on a scan. This information was passed onto a consultant urologist who insisted on emergency surgery as it appeared from the enlarged kidney that I had a blockage on my kidney most likely caused by a stone. My bloods also showed I had an infection bearing in mind that throughout this whole process I have bee having bloods and urine checked. So on Saturday I had a nephrostomy under local anaesthetic. I will have the bag and tube until baby is born and then within a our of days have it removed and have a CT scan to see whether the stone is there and if so either zap it or put a stent in. The urologist said it is most likely that I have had the same stone but that it is very difficult to pass stones in pregnancy as everything in stretched and not likely that I keep on producing more. The pain shifted between back and abdomen as this is what stones do. I would advise to anyone to insider you have an ultrasound; to have them measure the kidneys not just look for a stone; and to be seen by a urologist. Make sure you go to hospital each time you are in pain and make a fuss!!
Good luck
Hello, i am 13 weeks pregnant and have been suffering with the stones my whole pregnancy and i dont seem to be passing them. I went to the ER once and they sent me home with painkillers, that was 3 weeks ago, im still in horrible pain, blood in my urine and vomiting constantly, Ive lost over 50 pounds since right before i got pregnant! When i go to my gyno she just tells me i have to deal. There is NO WAY i can deal with this for 28 more weeks! i will die! I am planning on returning to the ER but i was wanting some advice before i go?
That’s bull. I have a nephrostomy tube. It’s horrid but it’s not as bad as the awful pain of stones. If you are in that much pain they should be placing a tube in that kidney. I have a stone stuck in me but they were planning on tubing me before hand. If your doctor tells you to deal, report her because severe amounts of pain can harm a baby. Also. Pain killers can become addicting to a baby. I hope you got sorted out and not forced to endure that. My tube was placed at 19 weeks and I’m now 29 so it’s been fun lol.
hai, im 16 weeks pregnant and detected with 8mm stone in the right kidney.the pain in the right side is unbearable.also profusely vommiting.there is no good hospital nearby.the local doc injected voveran pain killer which gave relief for one week.
is it possible to take on full 9 months without removing the stone?will my baby and the kidneys be ok?
I have numerous kidney stones also and am 27 weeks. There is a coke and asparagus treatment that supposedly helps dissolve the stones. Google it. It sounds like a joke but so many people have found relief. I’m trying it today as I don’t want to end up in the hospital again. Best of luck
I have never heard of a coke and asparagus treatment for kidney stones. Please send me any information you have. Thanks in advance.
Hi I’m 20 weeks pregnant and just spent the last week in hospital with a suspected kidney stone.. I have been discharged with pain relief and told to follow up with my doctor. My question is what effects if any do kidney stones have on my unborn baby ? And is there an increased risk of going into labour early? Thanks in advance
Hi all, im praying somebody could offer me some help, im 26 weeks pregnant and had some light back pain from the beginning due to SPD but 4 weeks ago i started to deteriate daily with symtoms of severe abdominal pain, im very tender in that area and also my belly button is in agony and im a bit numb underneath it, ive been to hospital 3 times, 1st was a waste of time just offered me Tramadol painkillers and with being pregnant i refused them, they said it was just SPD! My Gynea physio refused to treat me and said it definately wasnt that, the hospital did bloods and urine, dip test was fine but bloods came back showing slight infection
I’m 17, and 12 weeks pregnant. I have been told i have a kidney stone and i just have to wait for it to pass.! I am in a WHOLE LOT of pain.!!!!
I’m 39 weeks today and was diagnosed with kidney stones three months ago. Several stones were passed before i went back to the er with the worst pain I’ve ever had (I’ve given birth with no drugs.) They placed a nephrostomy tube and I’ve had one tube change since then. I’m curious is anyone has had if anyone has had the stone removed when they had their baby. My stone is 1.1 cm (11mm) also curious as to how they would remove that size stone.
Hi I am 17 weeks pregnant I have suffered from stones prior to pregnancy! In the lat war and half I had 5 surgeries and 2 stents for stones and no being pregnant I am producing and passing them rapidly! I pass a stone everyday-every 3 days! At leat one sometimes more! It’s very painful! I also had a urologist tell me we needed too it a stent in having 2 in the past and being admitted for a week each time after them Bc of the amt I blood clots I passed a stent is te futherest thing from my mid I have a new urologist and he said until one gets stuck we aren’t going messing around! The good thing about pregnancy is your tubes stretch making it easier to pass! Hope this helps also does anybody have complete uric acid stones? That’s what mine are not calcium?!
Hi! I am 21 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child and they suspect I have a kidney stone due to my history of them and symptoms, but my stupid Medicaid OB/GYN will not do an ultrasound to see for sure or tell me any other course of action. They have given me Tylenol 3, but I would like to see the stone and get a measurement to know if I will pass it possibly, or if this is something that will require laser or surgery. I have been to the ER twice this week, and since I am 20 weeks, they send me right up to Labor & Delivery and they will not do an ultrasound, just check heartbeat, prescribe meds and discharge. I feel like no one cares. I haven’t even seen a doctor when I go to the hospital, just the nurses on the delivery floor. So frustrated and concerned for my kidney health and my baby.
I am so sorry you’re going through this. I started passing stones while I was pregnant with my 3rd child. I had a urologist tell me to my face that he wouldn’t touch me with a 10 foot pole. My ob found a really good doctor who took very good care of me. Maybe it’s just a matter of finding the right doctor. I had 5 surgeries during two pregnancies because of kidney stones. I wish you a healthy pain free pregnancy.
I have suffered with stones over 20 years. I agree finding a good doctor is key. I had a ureteroscopy during my second trimester of my second pregnancy. 10 mm stone. I spent a week before that in the Labor and Delivery floor on morphine for the excruciating pain. They were not able to put me out completely during surgery. Didn’t realize that until they did something similar to an epidural except I was completely numb from the chest down. Being awake in an operating room is no picnic. The surgery took an hour instead of half an hour because they couldn’t use some of the procedures they normally did due to the pregnancy. My daughter was born healthy.
During my third pregnancy I passed over 75 stones. Enough said. Another healthy baby but had to be induced early to alleviate the stone situation. Pregnancies were a very big trigger for me.
My care plan was worked on by my OB/GYN and my urologist. They worked really hard to make sure they could take care of all the issues that came up safely.
Good luck
I was just released from the hospital after 5 days. I too had a Urologist tell me he wouldn’t touch me because I was 14 weeks pregnant (with my 3rd baby). But my symptoms (extreme flank pain, pus collection around the kidney, inability to urinate and elevate white cell count) mandated that I be taken to the OR ASAP. Fortunately, my primary doctor and my OB advocated for me and another Urologist agreed to take me to the OR. He dislodged the stone, drained the pus and inserted a stent. He couldn’t break up the stone due to the danger to the baby. I have to go back in 3-6 months for stent change and then removal after baby is born. But it’s a small price to pay seeing as I was weak, vomiting profusely and in intense pain. On the mend now thankfully. A good doc makes all the difference!
Have you gott cezarian section?
Have you gott cezarian section? I have kidney problem to
Hi my names Ashley I misscarried on November 28th I haven’t had my period since then I went to emergency room they told me I had kidney stones and needed to go to softer n get them taaken out and I’m in pain now still havennt passed any and theirs blood n my urine and I haven’t.started my stomachs bigger and I think I’m pregnant again !
Im 15 weeks & have a 11mm stone. I had a stent put in last week & im in a lot of pain still. Even though i know the surgery is bad for the baby, so are the painkillers. Im scheduled for surgery this week.
I was 26 weeks when I found out I had kidney stones. It started with contractions and I thought I was in labor… right after I arrived to the emergency room, that pain went straight to my kidneys, and so the doctors wanted to make sure I had kidney stones, and yes I did. It was the horrible PAIN EVER… I could not handle it. They had to put the IV and then morphine in it. The pain kinda went away but then 4 hours later, came back. I spent the night in the hospital, but then 2 days after that I was havin the same damn pain… so I was taking pills but they would not work.. I went to the hospital like 2 times after this happened, and they had to give me morphine, again. I thought my baby boy was in danger and did not want to get any kind of drug even if I was suffering, I wanted my baby to be safe.
When I was 36 weeks, I was bleeding everytime I would go to the bathroom but had no pain, so I thought I was in labor… but apparently, in the hospital, they told me that I was passing the kidney stones, so basically it took me like 10 weeks, to pass them.
If you are feeling like you have abdominal pain, either that or like the pain is going to your back… go straight to the hospital, cause you probably have kidney stones, and you need a drug like morphine, and after that they would give you a prescription for pain killers for when you go home.
I am 27 weeks right now and was in the hopstial on April 30th thinking I was in labor but wasnt they sent me home and I was back there the next morning and admitted for 3 days with kidney stones on both sides…..so much pain…I had a stent put in and then day 3 went home and was in so much pain. I was given morphine pain pills for home and they only work if I am relaxing and not walking around. Doctor said they cant do anything with the stones now until I deliver. My stones are not likely to pass because they are to big…..come on 2 -2/1/2 months.
I had a urethral stent put in the End of january at my 27 week mark.. And Just went in to take it out, The Dr ended up cutting it in half because I had like 15 pebble sized stones attached to the strings of the stent!! SO MUCH PAIN. When he pulled it out. I have to go back on friday to be put under to have the rest of the stent taken out.. I ended up not being able to work from the time I had the stent put in until now. I feel for you.. I wouldn’t wish this thing on my worst enemy
AT 19 weeks I was diagnosed via MRI with a 5mm stone. I was in severe pain and my kidney wasn’t functioning to well, lots of inflammation, blood, and blockage. So a stent was put in 2 days later. I have had issues with it ever since. I see the urologist once a month but its always the same, “sorry you’re uncomfortable, we’ll take care of it after the baby is born” I started passing fragments 2 weeks ago and went in hoping it was the stone, but turns out it was from the stent. I am now starting week 10 of having the stent in, and he has made no mention of removing it, or taking it out to put in a new one, which worries me because everything I’ve read, and everything I’ve heard from friends who’ve gone through this say that you shouldn’t have the stent in that long. I am 29 weeks now and am completely non-function. I can’t hardly stand for more than 2 minutes at a time, I’m in constant pain, and I’ve already had 2 infections. I’m tempted to tell them at my next appt to just take the stent out and I’ll deal with it till the end of my pregnancy. The whole pojnt was to ease pain and lower risk of infection, and obviously that’s not working. I also recently had an ultrasound with my OB, after a scare of preterm labor stemming from a bacterial infection. She said it looked as though the stone was in my bladder. I need to know what to ask/say to the urologist at my next appointment, because I can NOT continue like this for another 11 weeks.
I’m 30 weeks, have passed three stones (4mm, 5mm, & 8mm) and many small fragments ranging from sand sized grit to sea salt bits beggining in my 21st week. I was hospitalized twice. I completely understand the frustration with your urologist. Mine also told me we’ll have to wait until after my daughter is born to deal with the issue and that in the meantime all I can do is manage the pain. He did explain to me that the stint isn’t always the answer and in most cases is more painful than the stone itself. It does seem strange that you would have the stint in for such an extended period of time, but this opinion would carry more weight coming from a doctor. I would seek a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with your current course of treatment. Definitely let your OB know how you’re feeling and they can certainly refer you to another urologist. A side note: It took me several painful episodes before I discovered I shouldn’t be drinking cranberry juice because cranberries contain moderate amounts of oxalate and I should have lots of fresh lemon juice. Because we’re in hyper-stone-production mode the stones aren’t super hard and the acidity in the lemon juice can help the stones break apart and pass with less pain. It’s no cure but you sound as desperate as me and I’ve even tried drinking olive oil before breakfast (Sweet little old lady said it would help the stones just slide right through me.) I hope you find some relief!
Thanks for the reply! I did end up getting a second opinion. my new Dr. was appalled that the stent had been in so long. He went ahead and did a low dose xray to see where everything was at and discovered massive stoned have formed around the stent in both my bladder and kidney. I go back Wednesday to find out what the plan of action is going to be. Im very frustrated.
Thanks very much for the share of experience & tips. I’m a mom of 3, and 14 weeks along with my 4th when diagnosed four days ago. Was morbidly scared until I found this page and read your comments. Thanks so much, God bless you abundantly! Luv u
Hope you got this cured. I am having the same issues – excruciating pain from the stent – but found out today that I have an infection due to the stent. I’ve been hospitalized twice for a week each time with kidney stone issues, and chose the stent to avoid continuing stone problems (I’m currently 37 weeks and had the first issue around 30 weeks). Wish I would have known how problematic the stent would be. And yes, it helped for about a week after it was put in place, and went downhill from there! Good luck!
Hi guys,
I am 8weeks pregnent i have under gone laser treatment for calculai.
Guys ple help me out is my baby affected with the laser? What test should be done to checheck the baby is safe or not?Ple help
In pregnant women who develop a stone, treating and removing the stone with laser lithotripsy avoids the alternative of having a stent placed for 9 months. Laser lithotripsy during pregnancy appears to be safe for the fetus and has been reported since the 1990s.
Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) on the other hand should be avoided during pregnancy because it can have adverse effects on the pregnancy and the fetus.
I have 2 children and with both pregnancies I have had kidney stones what are the chances it happening with a third child?
This is something I want to know as well. I had stones with my first child and am wondering if I have another pregnancy what my chances are.
I am on my 3rd pregnancy…have passed a stone already, although not painfully. I have had kidney stones with each pregnancy, but at no other time in my life. Had lithotripsy just after my last child was born. Would LooVe to make it through this one with no large, painful stones!!!
I have had a stent put in. What are the risks of a kidney stone staying in your kidneys for a few months?
The stent should insure that the kidney is draining and therefore the stone should not cause problems over a few months. However, the stent itself can cause problems if it stays in too long.
I had a stone too and had severe pain in my back with vomitting. I was actually admitted to the hospital for two days. The stone still hasn’t passed so I might have to have a stent put in. The nausea is just horrible.
I just left the hospital after two days of excrucuating pain from a kidney stone. This is my second one in a month. I am 28 weeks pregnant and my doctor recommended having a stint put in. I had it done just two days ago and am so happy that I did. The pain was gone imediately. The stone is still there and I have to filter my urine everytime, which is kind of a pain, but otherwise worth it. I am sore on my right side and back, but whether its from the stint or just that I was in such pain and agony for two days prior to the stint. Who knows. I do recommend the stint.. You will feel so much better. Good Luck
I am 16 weeks pregnant and went to the Er to find out what this pain was occuring in my lower back. Come to find out I have a kidney stone. Ever. Since this pain has occurred I have been vomiting and can’t keep anything I eat down. What do I need to do in order to keep food down nd keep migraines away while passing the stone?
If you are feeling that ill, we suggest you seek medical care from a professional near you immediately. While many stones can pass on their own, reasons for contacting a doctor include fevers, persistent nausea and vomiting, intolerable pain, having only one kidney, or any other symptoms of severe illness.
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