Women with a severe kidney disorder before pregnancy are more likely to have problems during pregnancy. If high blood pressure develops, kidney function may rapidly worsen during pregnancy. High blood pressure commonly occurs in people with a kidney disorder. Preeclampsia (a type of high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy) may also develop. The fetus may not grow as much as expected or may be stillborn.

In pregnant women who have a kidney disorder, kidney function and blood pressure are monitored closely, as is growth of the fetus. Often, the baby must be delivered early.

Women who have had a kidney transplant are usually able to safely give birth to healthy babies if they have the following:

• A transplant that has been in place for 2 or more years
• A kidney that is functioning normally
• No episodes of rejection
• Normal blood pressure

Women who have a kidney disorder that requires hemodialysis regularly often are at high risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and preeclampsia.

Last full review/revision December 2008 by Sean C. Blackwell, MD