What to know about pregnancy for women with kidney disease

When counseling women with kidney disease about pregnancy, nephrologists and women’s health providers must emphasize intentionality, Healio reports.

That means consistent use of a reliable birth control method and discussions with her health care team before attempting to conceive — whether a woman is on dialysis or is a kidney donor or recipient.

“We need shared decision-making with women rather than a paternalistic attitude,” said Silvi Shah, MD, MS, FASN,FACP, recently to Healio. She is an associate professor in the nephrology and hypertension division of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a specialist in women’s health in kidney disease.

“We have to remember that childbearing is important," said Shah. "And we have to counsel women with kidney disease about all the risks and then support them in whatever decision they take.” 

She said pregnancy for women with kidney disease is considered high risk. She spoke with Healio about the relationship between kidney function and pregnancy, considerations for women with a kidney transplant, common misconceptions about conception and breastfeeding and more.

Click here to read the complete Healio Q & A with Shah.

Featured image at top: Pregnant woman's body shown in black and white. Photo/Provided.