Renal pelvis dilated

[Srx1]

Hi everyone, I had a 20w scan and my baby boy's renal pelvis on his right kidney is 13mm. I read about it online and wouldn't be this worried if it wasn't such a severe dilatation at 20 weeks, I mostly saw people mention it being mildly dilated.I am seeing a specialist on Monday but wanted to hear other people's experiences and outcomes so I don't go crazy. Thanks!

[lillipilli]

Hi, we had the same issue at our 20 week scan. One kidney renal pelvis was dialated @ 9.5mm, which was borderline severe. We were seen by Fetal medicine and they did a very throurough scan, confirming the diagnosis. We were told it is not too big a problem as only one kidney was affected. The specialists and midwives at FMU are amazing , they will look
after you and explain everything. I am still pregnant so can’t share experience what’s going to happen after birth but we have been discharged from FMU at 32 weeks even though the issue remained (and he developed a swollen uterer on that side too). The we had a consult with pead consultant who explained that the course of action is still the same, the prognosis is good. It can still right itself after birth but if not likely a standard surgery. I was exactly like you though, extremely worried about the severity, but if it is only one sided, doctors are not too worried. Were other things okay on your scan? When is your specialist appointment, I hope once you had it you will be reassured xx

[SirMcG]

Hi All,

I'd have liked a recent experience shared when I was going through a similar experience last year so would like to share mine. I was told that my sons right kidney was dilated at my 20 week scan last year and was terrified after being referred to fetal medicine clinics.

The clinics have to provide you with the worst case scenario, which at the time I could not comprehend. They advised me of all sorts of really negative possibilities, including the possibility that my son would be disabled, needless to say I'll say no more. I ended up with antenatal depression and was in a bad place.

For reassurance, I gave birth in Jan 2023 to my son, who is amazing. His kidney unfortunately continued to dilate throughout pregnancy and even since being born, he will have to have his kidney removed which is actually a severe case of hydronephrosis, hopefully would not get this far for other babies. However, I would like to state, he is not disabled, you would not be able to tell looking at him, he functions completely perfectly with one kidney, it will not affect his life in any way and is a happy baby.

He is on antibiotics every evening, but has adjusted so well to taking them.

Please rest assured it is so worrying whilst pregnant but when you look at your child when born, you would never have not done this journey with them (regardless of this minor issue).

[lillipilli]

@SirMcG you’ve inspired me to report back. My boy is 6 months old and whilst it is looking likely he will need surgery,
he otherwise looks and going well :) his problem did not
right Itself but it got from severe to moderate. One of his kidneys only contributes 20% and currently doctors think he has PUJ but should be fixed with the surgery.