QuestionI am currently 35 wks. pregnant with my 6th child and had ultrasound done which found enlarged fetal kidneys. Recently a second ultrasound was performed which confirmed this as well. I know sometimes this could mean cysts on the kidneys. I have 2 cysts on one ovary and 3 on the other. I also have a cyst growing in my spine (Tarlov cyst). Could this be a contributing factor to the problem my unborn child is having or is there another reason?
AnswerHi Carry :)
You know, enlarged kidneys are often detected on sonograms. So this is not as uncommon, as you may think :)
Enlarged kidneys are commonly detected on sonograms before birth. The majority of time, nothing serious is wrong. In a small number of children, there could be an obstruction or problem that will require treatment. The most important thing at this time is whether the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby is normal.
Enlarged kidneys are quite common and are not due to anything mothers have done during pregnancy. Evaluation needs to be done after the child is born, and in most cases the kidney function is fine, and does not require treatment.
However, when there is a problem, the most common causes are:
A cystic kidney may be a sign that that kidney did not develop properly and is usually an isolated problem, meaning typically no other problems may exist.
Also, there may be a problem with the chromosomes, most kids with these findings are otherwise normal.
So Carry, the fact that you have a history of cysts, has absolutely no influence on this at all. Its just one of those mysterious things, that sometimes occurs.
I am sure your baby will be just fine, as I said this is not uncommon at all. And in the rare chance that there is a problem, it will be minor I am sure, and most conditions are treatable :)
Hope this answers your question, and if you have any more concerns, please dont hesitate to write back :)
-Kristy
