Renal Pyelectasis / Hydronephrosis

MaryKay17

Hi all!

I'm new to this board, but need some input/advice/and prayers.  Our baby's (boy) right kidney was shown to be slightly dilated at our 23 week ultrasound (called pyelectasis).  We were told then that this comes up most frequently in boys, and that most cases clear up on their own before birth.  We had a follow up today at 29 weeks 5 days, and the kidney is now 1.8 cm dilated (now Hydronephrosis).  We were referred to a perinatologist for a higher level ultrasound, second opinion, and "peace of mind".  I think there's still a chance that this could clear on its own, but because it got worse I'm feeling nervous.  We see the specialist in one week, but I can't stop worrying.  

 Anyone been through this or going through something similar now?  Did your baby's condition improve on it's own?

Thanks!! 

alexandderek

Hi! My DD had hydronephrosis in both of her kidneys at our 20 week scan. Like you, we were referred to a perinatologist for more detailed scans. We were seen once a month in that office and her right kidney ended up healing itself towards birth, while the left one did not. Her left kidney was pretty severe so we consulted with an amazing pediatric urologist and after her birth he came to the hospital and did testing. He determined that her left kidney tissue was not damaged and he recommended having surgery to correct it so that the function would not suffer. While we could have waited to see what would happen, my DH and I decided to go ahead with the surgery when she was 3 weeks old. She now has scans once a year and is doing great! Both kidneys are working amazing and the best part is she has no idea what happened. My DDs was pretty worst-case, but just know that if it does come down to surgery (which it most likely won't) it isn't that bad! I'm really sorry you are going through this. I know how hard it is not knowing what is going to happen. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

MaryKay17

Thanks Alexandderek.  That must have been really scary for you!  I'm happy to hear your little girl is now healthy and thriving.

alexandderek

Thank you!

My biggest piece of advice is to ask a lot of questions.  Google made me feel like there was no hope, but my doctors let me know that this is a common finding and that 9 times out of 10 it will correct itself before birth.

My u/s tech actually had the same thing with her son and it was reassuring that someone else had gone through it and was okay.

Good luck! 

MaryKay17

Really?  That is reassuring.  I have stopped researching the internet b/c it made me feel much worse.  I will be sure to ask a lot of questions.  Did the specialist use a 3D ultrasound with your daughter?  My OB mentioned that their machine is a bigger/better model, but I'm not sure what that means (I was going to ask, but was choking back tears and was afraid I would lose it in the appointment if I said anything more).  

 Also, what helped you stay positive during your pregnancy, and then after her birth?  I don't want my stress to also affect the baby.

viety82bur

Thanks for this post, MaryKay... I'm going back for another u/s next week (29 weeks).  At 18 weeks, his left kidney was dilated to 7mm, and by 23 weeks it had doubled to 15.  I've been doing my best to not think about it, but that's getting harder and harder to do.  Apparently this is quite common, but it's one thing for doctors to say that and another thing entirely when it's YOUR baby.  Best of luck to you.

viety82bur

A&D, thank you also...it's always nice to hear from someone that's been there. 

jkolber10

My baby girl has this too, and a bright spot on her heart.  We have out level 3 ultrasound next week and I'm scared to death.  Being pregnant is a lot more stressful than I ever imagined!!  Good luck to you and hang in there!

MaryKay17

Jkolber, I'm just reading this.....how did your appointment go?  I'm sorry you are going through this.