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Kidney pain in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Kidney pain during pregnancy may be accompanied by symptoms such as painful urination, swelling, increased blood pressure, pain in the lumbar region, pain in the side, lower abdomen, pain on palpation, temperature reaction, nausea, vomiting. To diagnose the disease, urine analysis, biochemical and immunological blood tests, chromocystoscopy, ultrasound, indigo carmine test are performed, and if the pressure increases, an electrocardiogram is done.
What causes kidney pain during pregnancy?
Pyelonephritis
Kidney pain during pregnancy may indicate the development of such a serious pathology as pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidneys. The development of this disease can be affected by an increase in the size of the uterus. It puts pressure on the ureters, which makes it difficult for urine to pass. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can also cause a negative effect on the functioning of the ureters, resulting in urinary stasis. The risk of pyelonephritis also exists for women who have had pyelonephritis or cystitis in the past. The development of pyelonephritis is a threat to carrying a pregnancy, and can also cause toxicosis and anemia. In the acute stage of the disease, there is an increase in body temperature, rapid pulse, pain in the lumbar spine, and also when emptying the bladder. To establish an accurate diagnosis, pregnant women need to donate blood and urine, do an ultrasound of the kidneys. Treatment of pyelonephritis consists of kidney lavage, which involves drinking a large amount of fluid, and also includes antibacterial therapy. In case of complications of the disease, intravenous injections are administered. In case of pyelonephritis, antispasmodics, uroantiseptics and acupuncture treatment may be prescribed.
Glomerulonephritis
A disease such as glomerulonephritis is relatively rare and has a bacterial origin. For example, after an infectious disease caused by streptococcus A, an allergic reaction of the body with kidney damage may develop. The acute form of the disease may develop as a result of hypothermia, stress, gestosis. In this case, urine is formed in small quantities, its color changes, pain appears during urination. The pain can spread to the lumbar region, causing a pulling or aching sensation. Swelling of the face in the morning and high blood pressure can also accompany a disease such as glomerulonephritis. General symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, headache, low temperature, etc. In the chronic form of the disease, symptoms, as a rule, only general ones appear: weakness, dizziness, etc., which significantly complicates the diagnosis. Regular urine testing during pregnancy is extremely important for detecting both glomerulonephritis and other pathological conditions.
Urolithiasis
The factors that contribute to the development of the disease include disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, as well as uric and ethanedioic acid, and the influence of infectious agents. When an infection enters the body, the risk of stone formation increases, which subsequently damage the urinary tract. Urolithiasis can become a complication of chronic pyelonephritis, just as pyelonephritis can join the formation of kidney stones. Kidney pain with urolithiasis is accompanied by the passage of stones and the presence of blood in the urine. The pain is concentrated in the rib area in the lumbar region, can radiate to the groin area, genitals, lower limbs, epigastric region, and is dull in nature. When treating the disease, pregnant women are shown a special diet, which is prescribed depending on the type of disorder. With uric acid diathesis, you cannot eat meat, plant and dairy foods are recommended, except for beans, nuts, dark chocolate and tea should also be avoided. In case of phosphoric acid diathesis, eggs, dairy products, potatoes, legumes, and green vegetables should be excluded from the diet. You can eat meat, cereals, fruits, liver, fish oil, etc. Fluid intake should be moderate. In case of oxalic acid diathesis, dairy products, eggs, beans, nuts, sorrel, tea, fatty foods, potatoes, tomatoes, etc. are prohibited. Drinking should also be limited. To relieve acute pain in urolithiasis, antispasmodics and analgesics are used. Pregnant women should not take hot baths or use heating pads.
What to do if your kidneys hurt during pregnancy?
When treating kidney diseases, pregnant women can use herbal remedies. When treating kidney pain during pregnancy, the drug Kanefron is approved for use. It is prescribed two pills or fifty drops three times a day. If necessary, the therapy is carried out in courses. The duration of taking the drug depends on the clinical picture of the disease and is determined individually by the attending physician. Indications for use are chronic pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, prevention of urolithiasis, including after stone removal. For urolithiasis, pregnant women are prescribed a therapeutic diet. In order to prevent kidney diseases during pregnancy, it is recommended to drink rosehip decoction, cranberry juice, exclude spicy, fatty and fried, salty, smoked, legumes, white bread from the diet. The daily fluid intake should be approximately two liters. When you feel the urge to empty your bladder, you should immediately go to the toilet; holding in urine during pregnancy is extremely harmful. Underwear should only be made of natural fabrics, and it should not be tight. Avoid taking a bath during pregnancy, replacing this procedure with a shower. Physical exercise also has a positive effect on the prevention of kidney disease. For example, it is useful for pregnant women to stand on all fours for several minutes every day, of course, if there are no contraindications from the doctor. During this exercise, the pregnant woman's abdomen is directed downwards and, accordingly, the uterus does not exert compression on the renal canals. It should not be forgotten that one of the main rules for any pregnant woman is timely registration and regular visits to the gynecologist. And if such a symptom as kidney pain during pregnancy or any other complaints occurs, a visit to the doctor should be immediate.