QuestionAge 22, 1 child, March 26, 2004-last period. My question. What is hydronephrosis and what are the short and long term effects, causes, and treatments, particularly during pregnancy.
AnswerDuring pregnancy, each kidney increases in length.
The renal pelvis dilates (swells), and the ureters also dilate. This is called hydrohephrosis. The cause of hydronephrosis in pregnancy is unknown, but there may be some contributing factors. It could be due to elevated progesterone, the ovarian veins may compress the ureter causing dilatation, the 8terus may compress the ureters. Hydronephrosis during pregnancy is common and will not interfere with kidney function or cause any problems with the pregnancy. Don't worry.
