Is there any impact of fetal hydronephrosis on the baby in the womb?

Hydronephrosis in a fetus may have certain effects.

If the fetal hydronephrosis is mild and no obvious symptoms are present, the condition may resolve spontaneously after birth as the environment changes. In such cases, the impact on both the fetus and the mother may be relatively minor.

Hydronephrosis may impair kidney function, affecting the absorption and utilization of nutrients, potentially leading to intrauterine growth restriction, manifested as height and weight below the average level for the gestational age. Additionally, hydronephrosis may cause urinary excretion disorders, leading to either increased or decreased amniotic fluid volume, thereby affecting normal fetal development. Excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) may cause symptoms such as maternal dyspnea and chest tightness, and severe cases may lead to preterm labor or placental abruption.

If the hydronephrotic area is small and the renal cortex remains thick, close monitoring of the fetus and regular prenatal examinations are recommended to track changes in the hydronephrosis. Amniocentesis may help determine whether the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities, thereby further evaluating the cause and severity of the hydronephrosis. Furthermore, when fetal hydronephrosis is detected, timely medical consultation and following the physician's recommendations for management are essential.