Question:

I am 24 weeks pregnant. On the ultrasound, it was discovered that both of my son`s kidneys are enlarged. What causes this? What problems or complications should I expect following his birth? Have I done something during pregnancy to cause this since kidney problems do not run in our family? Will it require surgery.

Answer:

There have been many questions similar to yours that have been answered in this forum and you may wish to browse those answers. Enlarged kidneys are commonly detected on ultrasounds before birth. The majority of time, nothing serious is wrong. In a small number of children, there could be an obstruction or problem that will require treatment. The most important thing at this time is whether the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby is normal.

Enlarged kidneys are quite common and are not due to anything mothers have done during pregnancy. Evaluation needs to be done after the child is born.

Related Resources:

Kidney problems on fetal ultrasound

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.