Community› The Bump Message Boards› 2nd Trimester
2nd Trimester
New Discussion

XP from May 2011: Dilated Kidneys

JKHopeJKHope member
in 2nd Trimester
So, we had our anatomy scan yesterday. Everything looked great with the tech, she found no abnormalities, but then when the doctor came in to take a look she noticed that the kidneys had gone from normal size to enlarged (I'm not sure how enlarged yet because I didn't know to ask). She mentioned that it is a soft marker for downs. We declined the previous genetic testing and now I'm pretty worried. My husband thinks all will be fine and that there is nothing to worry about but I can't help it. We have had 2 previous losses and been TTC for 2 years, I just really want this baby to be healthy and happy.  Has anyone known anyone with this issue or seen this issue on your scan?  
Report Reply to Post

Re: XP from May 2011: Dilated Kidneys

  • MeggieChrisMeggieChris
    When I had my anatomy scan, I was told that she had excess fluids in her kidneys. I don't know if excess fluids and dialted kidneys would be the same thing. But my doctor wasn't concerned. She just said that it was a sign that her kidneys weren't as developed as they should be. But it's normal for different body parts to grow at different rates and she still had plenty of time for her kidneys to catch up. They said I would just have extra ultrasounds to monitor the situation. I hope things turn out well for you and your LO.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker imageimageimageimage.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • stosstos
    I just had an ultrasound last month and my little girl has dialted kidneys as well. Dr wasn't concerned though. He said that yes, it is a soft marker for Downs, but is usually in combination with other markers as well. With my 2nd child (this is my 3rd), I had a different soft marker and he was fine. I did have the genetic testing done though, so that also helped rule out Downs. I had one follow up ultrasound and they were still enlarged, but again, he said he wasn't concerned and to just tell the pedi when she is born in case they want to do an ultrasound on her. Wishing you the best!
    Report Reply
  • ChelseatharpChelseatharp

    I was informed that my baby has an enlarged kidney as well. I did what every person shouldnt and looked online and started freaking out about the downs marker. From what I can gather however you have to have other signs of Downs (amniotic fluid having issues is a major one) for the soft marker to really be any inclination of the baby having downs. I 

    I would love this little one just the same, but as you said we were TTC for 3 years and have lost a baby due to an ectopic pregnancy so... It would be wonderful if the little one could just be healthy.

    Anyway, I have to go to a perintalogist to have further testing done... I have no idea at this point what it means, how severe or anything but I do know they told me everything else on the U/S looked fine including the amniotic fluid. What is their plan of action at this point?

    I know how stressful and unsettling this information can be (I have been waiting for almost two weeks to go to the specialist and its killing me!)

    Good luck and prayers are coming your way!

    Pregnancy Ticker
    Report Reply
  • sleepingbeauty825sleepingbeauty825 member
    My son had them, as well as a friend's son. They are pretty common and often fix themselves. My friend's son had to have a minor surgery after he was born and my son's healed on it's own.

    It is a soft marker for Down's but without any other markers (club feet, etc) I wouldn't even think twice about it. Hope that helps!

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Red_DahliaRed_Dahlia member

    Our LO had dilated kidneys at our anatomy scan as well, so our OB sent us to a Peri to have a better scan done. The kidneys were still dilated. She told us that they usually clear up on their own. If not, LO may have kidney issues later in life, could be more prone to kindey infections, etc. She also mentioned it was a soft marker for DS. I was a mess for several weeks. All our genetic screending (first trimester screen and AFP screen) came back with flying colors. They referred me to a genetic counselor, and she reassured us that our risk was still really low. I did a lot of resarch and the most comforting article I came across looked at otherwise healthy women, ages 25-35 (or thereabouts) who's LO's had dilated kidneys. Only 1/300 was diagnosed with DS. My current risk is 1/600. We went back for another scan 4 weeks later and our LO's kidneys were much smaller. They measured 7mm and 5mm the first time, and 4 mm and 3 mm four weeks later, which is within the normal range. We have another scan on Monday and I'm praying that they are still normal sized!

    I read (only ONCE in all my research, so this may not be true at all) that one bumpies dr recommended that she cut down on the sugar intake since the baby's kindneys can't process sugar really well. Also, I read that NOT drinking a ton of water before the u/s led to smaller kidneys on the scan. I did both of those things (and prayed 1000x times a day for my LO to be healthy), but honestly, I think they really do just clear up on their own most of the time. LOTS and LOTS of HUGS to you.

    DD born March 2011
    DS born Dec 10, 2013
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"