Maternal Health

Kidney Stones in Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN

Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines

Editorial policy

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Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with kidney stones in pregnancy, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Kidney stones occur in about 1 in 500-1,500 pregnancies. While pregnancy itself does not increase kidney stone formation, the stones can be harder to diagnose and manage during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe flank pain, blood in urine, and nausea. Most pregnancy kidney stones can be managed conservatively with hydration and pain relief.

Key takeaways

  • Kidney stones occur in about 1 in 500-1,500 pregnancies. While pregnancy itself does not increase kidney stone formation, the stones can be harder to diagnose and manage during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe flank pain, blood in urine, and nausea. Most pregnancy kidney stones can be managed conservatively with hydration and pain relief.
  • Usually normal when: Mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration
  • Call your doctor if: Severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine
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What Parents Should Know

According to ACOG, NIH, Mayo Clinic guidelines, kidney stones occur in about 1 in 500-1,500 pregnancies. While pregnancy itself does not increase kidney stone formation, the stones can be harder to diagnose and manage during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe flank pain, blood in urine, and nausea. Most pregnancy kidney stones can be managed conservatively with hydration and pain relief. At Second trimester, kidney stones most commonly present in the second and third trimesters. Symptoms include sudden severe pain in the side or lower back that may radiate to the groin, blood in urine, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis typically uses ultrasound (avoiding CT scan radiation). Most stones pass on their own with IV fluids and safe pain management. It is generally considered normal when mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration
Severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine

By Age

What to expect by age

Second trimester

Kidney stones most commonly present in the second and third trimesters. Symptoms include sudden severe pain in the side or lower back that may radiate to the groin, blood in urine, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis typically uses ultrasound (avoiding CT scan radiation). Most stones pass on their own with IV fluids and safe pain management.

Third trimester

Kidney stone symptoms can mimic other pregnancy complications like preterm labor or appendicitis. If you develop severe flank pain, seek medical evaluation promptly. If a stone does not pass, temporary stent placement or ureteroscopy can be performed safely during pregnancy.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed kidney stones in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if recurring or persistent flank or back pain.
  • Mention if blood in urine (hematuria).
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Recurring or persistent flank or back pain
  • Blood in urine (hematuria)
  • Previous history of kidney stones
Act now when...
  • Severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine
  • Fever with flank pain, suggesting infected kidney stone - medical emergency
  • Unable to keep fluids down due to pain and nausea

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice kidney stones in pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At Second trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine.

UTI During Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy, affecting 2-10% of pregnant people. Pregnancy increases UTI risk due to hormonal changes that relax the urinary tract and the growing uterus compressing the ureters. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can lead to kidney infections and pregnancy complications, so prompt treatment with pregnancy-safe antibiotics is important.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain affects approximately 50-70% of pregnant people and is most common in the second and third trimesters. It is usually caused by the shifting center of gravity, weight gain, hormonal changes that loosen ligaments, and postural adjustments as the belly grows.

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When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is kidney stones in pregnancy normal?
Kidney stones occur in about 1 in 500-1,500 pregnancies. While pregnancy itself does not increase kidney stone formation, the stones can be harder to diagnose and manage during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe flank pain, blood in urine, and nausea. Most pregnancy kidney stones can be managed conservatively with hydration and pain relief.
When should I call the doctor about kidney stones in pregnancy?
Severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine Fever with flank pain, suggesting infected kidney stone - medical emergency Unable to keep fluids down due to pain and nausea
When is kidney stones in pregnancy normal?
Mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration
What causes kidney stones in pregnancy?
Kidney stones occur in about 1 in 500-1,500 pregnancies. While pregnancy itself does not increase kidney stone formation, the stones can be harder to diagnose and manage during pregnancy. Symptoms include severe flank pain, blood in urine, and nausea. Most pregnancy kidney stones can be managed conservatively with hydration and pain relief.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about kidney stones in pregnancy?
You should mention kidney stones in pregnancy at your next visit if: Recurring or persistent flank or back pain. Blood in urine (hematuria). Previous history of kidney stones.
Is kidney stones in pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Kidney stones most commonly present in the second and third trimesters. Symptoms include sudden severe pain in the side or lower back that may radiate to the groin, blood in urine, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis typically uses ultrasound (avoiding CT scan radiation). Most stones pass on their own with IV fluids and safe pain management.
Is kidney stones in pregnancy normal at Third trimester?
Kidney stone symptoms can mimic other pregnancy complications like preterm labor or appendicitis. If you develop severe flank pain, seek medical evaluation promptly. If a stone does not pass, temporary stent placement or ureteroscopy can be performed safely during pregnancy.
Should I go to the ER for kidney stones in pregnancy?
Seek emergency care if severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine, or if fever with flank pain, suggesting infected kidney stone - medical emergency. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does kidney stones in pregnancy go away on its own?
In many cases, kidney stones in pregnancy resolves on its own, especially when mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration.
ACOGNIHMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Nonobstetric Surgery During Pregnancy. ACOG, 2019. ACOG
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Nephrolithiasis in Pregnancy. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
  3. [3]Mayo Clinic. Kidney Stones - Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic, 2023. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Kidney Stones in Pregnancy.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed kidney stones in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if recurring or persistent flank or back pain.
  • Mention if blood in urine (hematuria).
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Recurring or persistent flank or back pain
  • Blood in urine (hematuria)
  • Previous history of kidney stones

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine
  • Fever with flank pain, suggesting infected kidney stone - medical emergency
  • Unable to keep fluids down due to pain and nausea

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Feeding & Pumping GuideMedicine Dosage CalculatorPregnancy TrackerEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of kidney stones in pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if severe sudden flank pain with nausea, vomiting, or blood in urine.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common during pregnancy, affecting 2-10% of pregnant people. Pregnancy increases UTI risk due to hormonal changes that relax the urinary tract and the growing uterus compressing the ureters. Untreated UTIs during pregnancy can lead to kidney infections and pregnancy complications, so prompt treatment with pregnancy-safe antibiotics is important.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

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