Episode 48: Pregnancy and Chronic Kidney Disease: Fertility, Risks & Pregnancy Planning

Can you get pregnant if you have chronic kidney disease? Does CKD automatically mean a high-risk pregnancy? What happens if you are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant?   In this episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee Moore is joined by consultant nephrologist and general physician Dr Taryn Pile to explore pregnancy and chronic kidney disease (CKD), addressing some of the myths, misconceptions and important realities surrounding fertility, pregnancy planning and kidney health.   Dr Taryn has experience working with renal pre-pregnancy counselling services alongside obstetric and obstetric medicine teams, supporting women with kidney disease and their families with individualised information and guidance around pregnancy.   During this informative conversation, Dee and Dr Taryn discuss:   • Whether women with chronic kidney disease can become pregnant • How kidney function can affect pregnancy risk • Why pre-pregnancy counselling and careful pregnancy planning are so important • Pre-eclampsia and why the risk can be higher for women with CKD • The potential impact of pregnancy on kidney function • Pregnancy when approaching dialysis or already receiving dialysis • Pregnancy following a kidney transplant • Fertility and fertility treatment for women with kidney disease • Why some kidney medicines need to be reviewed before pregnancy, including mycophenolate • Contraception and the importance of avoiding an unplanned pregnancy when taking medicines that may harm a developing baby • Whether kidney patients automatically need a Caesarean section • Where women with CKD may receive their antenatal and maternity care • Breastfeeding with kidney disease and after kidney transplantation • Why every woman’s circumstances, risks and choices need to be considered individually   Although pregnancy with kidney disease can involve additional risks and closer medical monitoring, Dr Taryn explains that for many women living with kidney disease, a healthy pregnancy is a real possibility — but planning early and speaking to your kidney and maternity teams is essential.   This episode provides general educational information and should not be used as individual medical advice. If you have kidney disease and are considering pregnancy, speak to your nephrologist, GP, obstetric team or other healthcare professional for advice based on your individual circumstances.   🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who may benefit from this important conversation.   ⭐ If you find Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast helpful, please follow or subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the podcast to help more people discover trusted kidney health information, lived experiences and expert conversations.   Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast — educating, empowering and inspiring people living with kidney disease and those who support them.       Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:   📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw  🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior  📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social   💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47   📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r       Kidney Care UK   💻 Website: www.kidneycareuk.org 📧 [email protected] 📞Tel: 01420 541 424 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org 📷Instagram: @kidneycareuk 🔵Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social 📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A   📩 To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: [email protected]       Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, or Kidney Care UK and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.   #PregnancyAndKidneyDisease #ChronicKidneyDisease #CKD #KidneyDisease #KidneyHealth #Pregnancy #CKDPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #PreEclampsia #Fertility #PregnancyPlanning #KidneyTransplant #Dialysis #Nephrology #WomensHealth #MaternalHealth #KidneyPatient #DiaryOfAKidneyWarriorPodcast