According to the dialysis and transplant registry in the United States, kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in America while 2 million people currently live with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Kidney donation has been identified as a viable option to save lives with thousands of successful transplants every year. Nevertheless, with the rising concerns of pregnancy after kidney donation, women who donate their kidneys may be at an increased risk if they decide to carry a baby to term.

Kidney Function and Pregnancy

The kidneys are vital organs in the human body that are responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products and extra fluids from the body.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a lot of changes due to increased blood flow, and the kidneys have to work even harder to filter out waste products. According to studies, women who have previously donated a kidney for transplant may face potential risks when they get pregnant.

Risks of Pregnancy After Kidney Donation

Women who have donated their kidney have a higher risk of developing kidney disease than women who haven’t undergone the surgery. Pregnancy further increases the risk of kidney failure, which could potentially result in death.

Some of the risks of pregnancy after kidney donation include:.

1. High Blood Pressure

Pregnancy can cause high blood pressure, which can be particularly dangerous for women who have donated their kidneys.

The reduced function of the remaining kidney may not be enough to cope with the increased pressure, which could lead to complications like preeclampsia.

2. Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects some pregnant women.

Women who have undergone kidney donation have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes during pregnancy, which can result in various complications like preterm delivery or complications during delivery.

3. Premature Delivery

Studies have shown that women who have previously donated a kidney have a higher likelihood of delivering prematurely when compared to women who haven’t undergone the surgery.

Premature delivery can lead to various complications like respiratory distress syndrome, which is a common feature among premature babies.

4. Increased Chance of Kidney Failure

Women who have donated their kidneys are already at an increased risk of developing kidney failure.

Pregnancy can further increase the chances of kidney failure, which can result in several complications, including the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.

5. Dangerous Clotting

Pregnancy can increase the chances of blood clotting, which can be particularly dangerous for women who have donated their kidneys. Blood clots can result in several complications, including heart attacks or strokes, which can potentially be fatal.

6. Complications During Delivery

Delivery complications are common in women who have donated their kidneys. Preeclampsia, which is a potentially dangerous condition for both the mother and child, is more common in women who have donated their kidneys.

Additionally, women who have undergone kidney donation surgery are also at an increased risk of experiencing fetal distress during delivery.

7. Immunological Responses

Women who have donated their kidneys may develop an immune response to their babies during pregnancy.

The body may perceive the fetus as foreign, triggering an immune response, which may cause complications like preterm labour, fetal growth restriction, or even fetal loss.

8. Repeat Kidney Donation

Studies have shown that some women who have donated their kidneys may be more likely to undergo another kidney donation after pregnancy.

The risks associated with repeat kidney donation are similar to those during the initial donation, although they may be higher in some instances.

9. Chronic Graft Dysfunction (CGD)

CGD is a chronic complication of kidney donation that occurs when the transplanted kidney begins to lose function.

Women who have donated their kidneys have a higher likelihood of experiencing CGD, which can result in several complications, including the need for dialysis or re-transplant.

10. Long Term Health Risks

Pregnancy can have long-term health impacts on women who have donated their kidneys. Studies have shown that women who have undergone kidney donation are at an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and even death.

Pregnancy can further increase the risk of developing these conditions, which could potentially be fatal.

Conclusion

Although pregnancy after kidney donation is possible, women who have undergone kidney donation surgery may face increased risks.

It is important for women who have donated their kidneys to consult with their healthcare provider before getting pregnant to discuss potential risks and develop a monitoring plan. Close monitoring throughout pregnancy and postpartum is also crucial to prevent complications and to address any medical issues that may arise.