HomeAnswersNephrologyfetal anomaliesFetal scan shows the presence of only one kidney. How to lead life with single kidney?

My fetal scan shows the presence of only one kidney. What is the chance of future problems?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 15, 2019
Reviewed AtOctober 15, 2019

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 28 weeks pregnant. All my fetal scans taken so far shows, my baby has only one kidney, which is the left one, and it is working normally. I have attached the document. I doubt whether there is a left kidney somewhere down, not sure, but if it is there, it would be very small. But for now, let us say the baby has one normal kidney. After delivery, what is the process of ultrasound and blood tests? Will it be done immediately or after a couple of days? And throughout the pregnancy, if all scan result shows normal kidney, then what is the chance of problem to the kidney in future?

Answered by Dr. Tarek Algamal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Many children with a single kidney will have a normal life without further complications.

But still there is some risk of development of some problems later in life :

1. Development of high blood pressure.

2. Urinary tract infections.

3. Decreased kidney functions.

The development of these problems is variable.

This entails:

1. The baby should go for a scan after birth.

2. Need follow up with a Pediatric Nephrologist.

3. Regular checking of blood pressure and urine for infection and protein loss must be done.

4. The child should protect his kidney and reduce the risk of complications later in life by eating a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercise and not smoking. I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Do baby or fetus get bigger kidney jow and mild pelvis dialtion to be normal at this stage ?
Answered by Dr. Tarek Algamal
The bigger kidney is because it tries to compensate the absence of the other one. Pelvic dilatation most likely is of no significance. Most of the abnormalities detected in the prenatal ultrasound will not harm the baby. Still you need to do ultrasound and kidneys assessment for the baby after delivery.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Tarek Algamal
Dr. Tarek Algamal

Nephrology

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