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Hydronephrosis During Pregnancy
Hydronephrosis is a condition that affects one or both the kidneys. Hydronephrosis can happen at any age and can affect pregnant women too. In fact, it is a common condition affecting pregnant women. If you are pregnant, you must know how it may affect your pregnancy and how you can deal with it.
What Is Hydronephrosis?
Hydronephrosis is a condition and not a disease. In hydronephrosis, one or both the kidneys swell as there is pressure on the kidneys and urine cannot drain from them. It is a structural or physiological condition that arises due to the way the uterus presses on the urinary bladder. As the bladder is unable to discharge its contents due to the pressure, the urine then travels back and causes the kidney to swell. It is accompanied by pain and can affect one or both kidneys.
Hydronephrosis in pregnant women is mostly observed in the second trimester, particularly between the 26th and 28th week of pregnancy. This condition in pregnancy often disappears on its own, typically within six weeks after the delivery. However, sometimes, the condition may persist for long and requires medical attention.
Causes of Hydronephrosis During Pregnancy
There are several causes for the occurrence of hydronephrosis. Some of them are stated below -
One of the most common causes of hydronephrosis is a blockage in one or both the ureters. The ureter is a tube that connects the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The blockage could be due to kidney stones, scarring, or even blood clots.
Vesicoureteral reflux is another major cause of hydronephrosis in pregnancy. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the condition in which the muscular valve (where the urethra connects to the bladder) does not work properly. As a result, the urine flows backwards into the kidneys thus causing them to swell.
Tumours near or in the ureter can also cause hydronephrosis.
Narrow ureters due to some birth defect can even lead to hydronephrosis.
During pregnancy, the leading cause of hydronephrosis is the pressure of the uterus on the bladder and ureter.
Another cause of hydronephrosis during pregnancy is the increase in production of pregnancy hormones that relax the muscles.
Cancer of the urinary bladder and the cervix can also cause hydronephrosis.
Ovarian vein syndrome.
Diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms of Hydronephrosis in Pregnant Women
There are not many symptoms of hydronephrosis but when this condition occurs you may notice the symptoms mentioned below. Remember that if you are pregnant, the chances of this condition manifesting will be very high. If you notice the following symptoms during pregnancy, then you must seek immediate medical help.
Acute pain in the abdomen or back
Vomiting and nausea
Chronic UTI
Fever
Colicky pain
Pain in the chest
Blood in the urine
Swelling particularly in the legs
Increased frequency of urination
Diagnosis
There are several methods health practitioners use to diagnose hydronephrosis. These methods will help her understand and identify if something is wrong with your urinary system.
An ultrasound is one of the most reliable methods of diagnosing hydronephrosis, especially if the cause is physiological. A variety of causes for the condition can be determined using this method including kidney stones and other obstructions.
Urine analysis is also suggested to determine if there is an infection in the urinary system.
Your doctor might recommend a blood test to check for anaemia as it is one of the most common conditions in pregnant women.
GFR and electrolyte analysis to check the proper functioning of the kidneys can also be done.
Risks
There are some risks associated with hydronephrosis that you must be aware of. If there is undue pressure on your kidneys, a spontaneous renal rupture can take place. If your kidneys were damaged previously, then the chances of a spontaneous renal rupture will be much higher.
This condition should not be left untreated as it could cause the kidneys to stop working completely. Be sure to get regular check-ups to monitor the health of your kidneys and the urinary system. Your doctor can develop a treatment plan that will ease the pressure on your kidneys.
Treatment for Hydronephrosis During Pregnancy
The management of hydronephrosis in pregnancy is done carefully through different stages.
The first step of treatment in case of hydronephrosis is using a catheter to drain the urine from the bladder to ease the pressure off the kidneys.
The next step in treatment involves figuring out the cause of the obstruction. Different causes will have different treatments. For instance, the treatment for kidney stones will be different from the treatment for scarring on the ureter.
Pregnancy-related hydronephrosis can be treated using analgesics and antibiotics or through pigtail insertion.
Prevention
Unfortunately, most renal disorders do not have symptoms. When it comes to avoiding severe hydronephrosis during pregnancy all you can do is go for regular check-ups. Be sure to get your kidneys scanned regularly along with urine and blood tests to scan for infections.
Discuss your concerns with your doctor and give her a full history of your medical health particularly if you have had previous renal disorders. You must check-in regularly with her and she will keep a lookout for any warnings of renal disorders particularly that of mild hydronephrosis.
Hydronephrosis can be a painful experience during pregnancy due to the undue pressure on the kidneys. Its symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort. Remember that most women suffer from this condition during pregnancy and you must keep an eye out for the symptoms mentioned above. You must seek immediate help if you experience fever, blood in the urine, and acute pain in the abdomen or back.
Also Read: A Guide To Uterus Abnormalities During Pregnancy Read more
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Understanding Sucking Reflex in Babies
Understanding the sucking reflex of your baby is very important. Although sucking reflex is considered to be a natural response in newborns, some children may have difficulty in the same. Here we have detailed information on the sucking reflex and simple ways to test your infants sucking reflex.
What is Sucking Reflex?
Sucking reflex is one of the most involuntary reflexes of a newborn baby. It is one of the primary functions in response to her oral stimulation. Sucking reflex is directly related with the rooting reflex wherein the baby searches for a source of food and the moment she gets it, sucking reflex allows her to suck the milk and swallow it.
When Do Infants Develop Sucking Reflex?
Considered as one of the seven natural reflexes in newborns, sucking reflex is developed in infants while they are in the womb of the mother. Sucking reflex is said to be initiated during the 32nd week of pregnancy and is completely developed by the 36th week of pregnancy. You may have seen your baby sucking her thumb in the ultrasound that’s because she is already practising the sucking reflex. Sucking reflex is extremely crucial during the first few months post-delivery and it even enables the mother to breastfeed the baby.
How to Test Sucking Reflex in Infants?
It is very simple to test a baby’s sucking reflex, just place a finger or nipple on the roof of your baby’s mouth and see the response, she will start sucking immediately. Newborns find this action soothing and enjoyable, but it does not mean that she’s hungry all the time she does it. After 2-3 months, babies will start sucking their fingers and hands due to the hand-to-mouth reflex.
Sucking Reflex and Breastfeeding
As stated above, sucking reflex is crucial for breastfeeding. It happens in two stages. First, the baby takes the nipple between the tongue and the roof of the mouth and then begins to suck the milk. It is important to note that not just the nipple but also the areola needs to go into the baby’s mouth so that she’s able to suck the milk from the breasts.
Premature Babies and Sucking Problems
Since premature babies are not fully developed, they might face difficulties in sucking. The common sucking issues in newborn babies are:
Muddled sucking pattern
Delicate and fragile lip movement
Impaired tongue movement
No stability in the inner cheeks
Unable to synchronize sucking, swallowing, and breathing together.
Premature babies will develop sucking reflex within the first few weeks of their birth. Until then they are fed using feeding tubes.
The trouble in synchronizing sucking and swallowing with breathing might be a cause of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome. This might pose a problem in feeding as they are unable to synchronize the sucking reflex with breathing and get tired easily. In this case, the baby is under high risk of getting malnourished.
Sucking Reflex Vs. Rooting Reflex
When babies are touched on their cheeks or lips, automatically, they turn their head towards the stimulus and make sucking movements, which is known as rooting reflex. Rooting and sucking reflex together ensure proper breastfeeding of the baby. Rooting reflex also helps babies find the nipples instinctively and swallowing and sucking reflex allows them to suck the milk and ingest it. Babies display a combination of rooting and sucking reflex through hand-to-mouth reflex when they suck their fingers.
Sucking reflex is very important for the nutrition requirements of your baby. Any issues with regards to sucking reflex can lead to malnutrition in infants. You must discuss with your paediatrician if you find any irregularities in the sucking reflex of your baby.
Also Read: Let Down Reflex in Babies Read more
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When Tots Can Kick and Get a Ball Rolling
As your child turns 1, he starts playing with a ball by moving it around. He begins rolling it and even kicking it by the time he turns 2. Catching comes later. For parents whose 24-month-old toddler is kicking and spinning a ball, it's time to introduce other ball activities.
The present generation leads a more sedentary lifestyle than their parents led. But physical activity is extremely important if children are to develop muscles and stimulate their minds. Parents have a crucial role to play in getting kids used to physical activity, and it is during the formative years that good exercise habits can be established. One such activity is playing ball with your child.Though it may take a little time for him to set it rolling, with practice and repetition he’ll soon start rolling, chasing and kicking it!
Tips for a 24-month-old Toddler Rolling the Ball
1. Keep Him Motivated
Skills such as running, kicking and throwing take practice and patience on part of parents. You're watching your toddler learning to play with a ball, so enjoy the activity with him and encourage him to learn new skills like rolling and kicking.
2. Play with Him
Post 7 months, toddlers can actively engage with their environments in a systematic manner. Their vision develops and they can track moving objects better. Playing is one of the most important things a parent can do with her child. The time spent not only builds confidence but helps develop social skills.
3. Move Stage By Stage
At what age can toddlers move a ball? From around 12-18 months, but this age varies between kids. They don’t immediately learn to roll a ball either. They move it around and then progress step by step. You can guide your child on different ways to play with a ball.
Start with throwing– Sit apart and roll a soft ball back and forth between the two of you, moving farther apart after a few passes. Very soon, your child will want to throw it because of the increasing distance. You can also teach him the act of throwing a ball into a basket. Do this after you see him rolling a ball properly.
Once he’s comfortable with picking and throwing, introduce kicking. Show him how to use his feet instead of his hands to roll a ball back and forth between the two of you.
Catching can also be introduced by getting your child to roll the ball up a small incline to catch on the way down. Throw and catch comes much later.
4. Try out Different Things with the Ball
Kids bouncing a ball at home or at a park may seem very mundane to adults but it’s an excellent toy because they can use it in so many different ways such as kicking, throwing, catching, aiming, rolling, bouncing and tracking.
Not every child is interested in ball activities for toddlers. Some kids lean towards it and can happily play toss-and-catch for hours while for others, running and chasing is more enjoyable. So, it’s not a cause of concern if your kid is playing with something else. The idea is to get him involved in opportunities for gross motor play. Does your child play a ball? What activities do you engage him in? Read more
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Read This If You Have Not Yet Vaccinated Your Child
Hi, everyone! My name is Nishita Shah. I am a working woman and a mother of a cute little baby girl who has turned 6 today. I am glad I have got this opportunity to share my story with you all.
My daughter was underweight at the time she was born. I was very concerned about her health - how she would gain weight, and how she would become more immune to the outside world. I was a very fussy mom as we all mothers are, especially when your child is weak. I was going through a difficult phase as a new mother. I always asked many questions related to her health to her doctor, as she was born weak.
I used to research a lot online about my queries related to vaccines. I learnt many things, thanks to my doctor and online resources who helped me understand and gave me the confidence to get my daughter vaccinated. I know there are many vaccines to be administered in the first three years, and seeing the list, I panicked. Vaccines work as a shield to protect my child from all different illnesses. All my worries disappeared and I am happy that her immune system has improved. Vaccines have helped in protecting my child. Today I am sharing my experience as a mother. Don't panic, please go ahead and get your child vaccinated for their better future and safety. My baby has now grown into a beautiful and healthy kid. Vaccination has helped her stay protected from all the diseases and viruses which are around us. So please go and be vaccinated, be safe and be strong. Thank you all. This is my story which I am sharing with you. Please share your stories so we can together motivate new parents to vaccinate their kids.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
3 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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