What should a pregnant woman do if she has ureteral stones?
Apr 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Mingchuan
Introduction
Most pregnant women with ureteral stones can be improved through general management, medication, or surgical treatment. General management includes drinking plenty of water. Medication may involve intramuscular injection of progesterone injection. Procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or open surgery can be performed after delivery. Additionally, it is important to engage in moderate exercise, maintain a positive mood, and attend regular prenatal checkups in daily life.
Pregnant women with ureteral stones can usually be improved through conservative management, medication, or surgical treatment. The details are as follows:
1. Conservative Management
If the ureteral stone in a pregnant woman is small in size, drinking more water and increasing urination may help improve the condition. This is because the flushing action of urine may carry the stone and facilitate its spontaneous passage from the body.
2. Medication
If increased fluid intake does not effectively improve symptoms or provides only minimal relief, and if significant discomfort such as pain or hematuria occurs, intramuscular injection of progesterone injection may be considered under medical guidance. This may help relax the ureter and thereby alleviate symptoms.
3. Surgical Treatment
If the ureteral stone is severe during the second trimester of pregnancy and causes hydronephrosis, stone removal via ureteroscopy or open surgery may be performed under medical supervision. If the patient is in the late stages of pregnancy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or open surgery can be performed after delivery.
In addition, it is important to engage in moderate exercise, maintain a positive mood, undergo regular prenatal checkups, and closely monitor fetal growth and development.
