Spotlight on Fetal Hydronephrosis During Pregnancy
One of the most frequently observed conditions during pregnancy ultrasounds is fetalhydronephrosis . It is the oedema or enlargement of the kidneys of an unborn child as a result of excess urine. Although the diagnosis can be worrying for expecting parents, in most instances, the condition heals itself and does not indicate severe complications. Understanding what fetal hydronephrosis is, its causes, and how it is managed can help guide parents through the process with clear information and confidence. What Is Fetal Hydronephrosis? Fetal hydronephrosis is a condition that arises when urine cannot drain out of the kidney into the bladder, leading to swelling of the kidney. This is normally identified during a routine prenatal ultrasound, typically between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. The classification depends upon how much the renal pelvis (the section of the kidney where the urine gathers) is dilated. Milder cases can either resolve before or after birth, whereas the sever...