Experts emphasize that early detection and proper management are crucial for babies born with antenatal hydronephrosis—a condition characterized by swollen kidneys due to water accumulation in the womb. There is a growing need to raise awareness about this common condition, which affects one or two cases in every 100 pregnancies.
Antenatal hydronephrosis occurs when a fetus develops swelling in one or both kidneys due to urine buildup, typically identified during routine ultrasound scans in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The condition often results from a partial obstruction in the urinary tract or a reflux of urine back into the kidneys.
While the initial discovery of antenatal hydronephrosis may cause concern, doctors believe that many cases are manageable with proper monitoring and care. “With appropriate follow-up and care, the majority of infants with antenatal hydronephrosis grow up healthy with normal kidney function,” stated Dr. Prabudh Goel, an additional professor of pediatric surgery at AIIMS-Delhi.
The increasing number of antenatal scans has led to a rise in detected cases. Dr. Shandip Kumar Sinha, director of pediatric surgery at a local hospital, noted that if antenatal hydronephrosis is detected and addressed with medical intervention within the first five to six months after birth, the kidneys can heal completely. “Early detection allows us to closely monitor the condition and take necessary steps to ensure the baby’s health and kidney function,” he added.
In mild cases, antenatal hydronephrosis often resolves on its own without treatment. However, for moderate to severe cases, additional tests—such as ultrasounds, voiding cystourethrograms, or nuclear medicine scans—may be needed after birth to assess the severity of the obstruction or reflux. In rare instances, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct underlying issues.
“By raising awareness about this condition, we hope to reassure families that early detection and proper management can lead to positive outcomes,” said Dr. Goel.