HOW IS HYDRONEPHROSIS DETECTED DURING PREGNANCY?
Ultrasound can detect the fetal kidneys and bladder by 14 or 15 weeks gestation, though 20 weeks of pregnancy is the ideal time to detect hydronephrosis on ultrasound, since the fetus is larger and the kidneys can be visualized in detail. When a UPJ obstruction is identified, the kidneys are closely examined for other findings more common with UPJ, such as cysts (known as multicystic, dysplastic kidney) or an abnormal shape (commonly called a horseshoe kidney). HOW WILL MY PREGNANCY BE MANAGED NOW THAT HYDRONEPHROSIS HAS BEEN DETECTED? Through the Carmen and John Thain Center for Prenatal Pediatrics, you will have an in-depth ultrasound study to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the kidneys and bladder closely, and ensure no other abnormalities are present. The ultrasound will be performed by an obstetrician with expertise in prenatal ultrasound and high-risk pregnancy, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (or MFM) specialist. Many times a Pediatric Urologist will also be present during the exam to
