Diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women presenting with urological problems are more difficult and complex than the general patient population due to limiting factors. It is known that errors in diagnosis and inappropriate treatment methods carry serious risks for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, the management of diseases should be done in accordance with up-to-date and respected guidelines.
Urological problems frequently encountered during pregnancy can be examined under three main headings:
a) Pregnancy and Urinary System Infections
b ) Pregnancy and Urinary System Stone Disease
c) Other Urological Problems Occurring During Pregnancy
A) Pregnancy and Urinary System Infections
During pregnancy, both the differentiation of urine content and As a result of some hormonal and physiological changes, bacteria more easily cause infection in the urinary system. Urinary system infections are the most common infections during pregnancy. These infections; It can be seen in a wide range, from asymptomatic bacteriuria to mild conditions such as acute cystitis or noisy conditions such as pyelonephritis, which is more severe.
B) Pregnancy and Urinary System Stone Disease
Urinary system stone disease is the most common reason requiring hospitalization for nonobstetric abdominal pain during pregnancy. The incidence of symptomatic stones in the urinary tract during pregnancy is estimated to be around 0.03–0.53%. This rate is not much different from non-pregnant women in a similar age group. Kidney stones detected during pregnancy have been reported in various studies; It has been associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and premature rupture of membranes. The risk of symptomatic urinary stone disease is increased in multiparous women compared to those giving birth for the first time. The most common symptom of urinary tract stone disease in pregnant women is pain. The second most common symptom accompanying pain is blood in the urine. Apart from these, difficulties may be experienced in diagnosis as nonspecific symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which can be seen in urinary system stone disease, can be confused with hyperemesis gravidarum, which is seen especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
C) Other Urological Problems Occurring During Pregnancy
Hydronephrosis (Kidney enlargement)
Kidney failure
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) (back leakage from the urinary bladder to the kidney)
Malignancies (Cancers)
Lower Urinary System Symptoms
Urinary Incontinence
Problems Occurring During Birth
Placenta percreta with bladder invasion
Pregnant women with these risks should be consulted by a Gynecologist throughout the pregnancy. It must be under the supervision of a Urologist who coordinates with the doctor.
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