Kidney Stones in Pregnancy
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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 Should You Do?
When to take action
- Mild back or flank discomfort that resolves with hydration
- Recurring or persistent flank or back pain
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Previous history of kidney stones
- 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Maternal Concerns
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.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.
20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.