20 week scan - likely to have duplex kidneys

[Wellimworriednow]

Hi there,

I had my 20 week scan today and was shocked when the sonographer said it looks like both the baby's left and right kidneys are bilateral duplex kidneys.

I'm going to be referred to a doctor and for another scan but I'm so worried about what this potentially means.

I've been googling since and there's not much out there about when both kidneys have this and what it potentially means for the future.

Has anyone else experienced this and if so would you mind sharing your experience with me?

[VenetoResident]

My DS2 has bilateral duplex kidneys and also has some other urinary tract issues.

He had many scans before birth and tests after birth.

Immediately after birth he was put onto prophylactic antibiotics. They made him vomit and he also had stomach reflux (now he's older we know he has connective tissue problems that contributed to the reflux).

We stopped the ABs at some point due to the vomiting.

He had an operation at 6 months to correct some issues with his ureters but didn't need a stent. He was in hospital for 5 days.

As a 13 year old he has some continence issues - urgency and frequency, connected to the other urinary tract issues rather than the kidneys. He had medication for bed wetting (as did his 'normal' brother) and could take medication to help the day time issues but won't.

If he's ill I dip his urine with test strips to check for a UTI which would need prompt treatment and he has annual blood tests to check kidney function. Currently he has about 70% of normal kidney function.

For us it has not been a major issue. Do you know if you're having a boy or a girl? UTIs are more serious in boys I believe. You'll be upset for a while, be prepared for that. Also I had my later scans at a teaching hospital. That was traumatic as trainee doctors and a full bladder don't mix! Good luck.

[user1471518119]

Hi OP, I have a duplex kidney and only found out after getting hospitalised for a kidney infection aged 33, I get yearly utis but that's about it,hoping your baby will be fine

[PeigiSu]

My DH has a duplex kidney. Only found out in his 30s when he had a scan for something else (benign testicular lump). It’s caused zero problems.

I don’t really know anything about it being both but sorry this is so stressful. Sounds worth them thoroughly checking everything and you meeting the right people.

[MilleniumHallsWalledGarden]

I had a duplex kidney discovered incidentally. I don't think I've ever had a UTI in my life, or any other urinary tract issues.

[Wellimworriednow]

Thank you all so much, that's all very reassuring to hear.
@VenetoResident thank you so much for the detail on your son, it really is very much appreciated - I really was in need of knowing the realities of it.

Me and my partner had decided against finding out the sex, but when I speak to the doctor (whenever that maybe), I will ask about that.

I'm going to try and be as proactive as possible and come up with a list of questions in advance of the appointment so I don't come away with lots of 'but what does this mean...' thoughts.

I might even see if they will let me record the chat so my partner can hear it after - I'm bound to forget/misconstrue things otherwise!

Thanks again all, oh, and if you think of any good questions I should add to the list, let me know.

[bibindum]

I have bilateral duplex kidneys, didn't find out until an infection in my 20's. I'm more susceptible to uti's and infections but this doesn't necessarily impact kidney function however I know it sounds scary.

[Nelbert19]

I was born with duplex kidneys, picked up when I was 18 months old. I had some corrective surgery as a toddler (I don’t remember it) and have been left with a small scar. Far more distressing for my family as it was picked up because I had blood in my nappies and my dad was under suspicion for ‘interfering’ with me until I was diagnosed - that must have been awful.

I had prophylactic antibiotics as a child, which I HATED (banana flavoured stuff still makes me gag!) but didn’t get UTIs so I stopped taking it when I was 7ish

Had recurrent UTIs as a late teen, but that’s only because no one told me about going for a wee after sex 🙈 Not a problem since

My renal function is absolutely normal as an adult and I’m not under any follow up.

[Munchkin08]

My sister has duplex kidneys she is 57 and only found out when she had Gallstones, she hasn’t had any problems.

[Wellimworriednow]

Thank you all so much for reassuring me, it's so kind you all took the time to help.
Oh and @Nelbert19 that situation must have been horrifying for your dad and family!

[VenetoResident]

I think it's lucky to have it picked up in utero - apparently girls often suffer UTIs for years before the problems are picked up.

[VenetoResident]

How's it going?

[Wellimworriednow]

Hi @VenetoResident thank you so much for checking in. All is ok, I went to see the consultant who was really reassuring and said that as it stands there's no sign of hydronephrosis which was great news.

They said they wouldnt' be able to tell until further along in the pregnancy whether there are two ureter tubes in each kidney but I imagine it is something they will keep an eye on.
Thanks again for your help in advance of the my consultant appointment. I went along with lots of questions and was able to put my partner on speaker phone after the scan so we could both listen in to what they said.

[VenetoResident]

I'm glad it went ok. 🤞 for an uneventful pg.