Pregnancy and stones: Stubborn stone situation

When a pregnant patient presents with a stone, many will declare that it feels like a double delivery! Some women will swear that the “delivery was easier and less painful than passing my stone.” Fortunately, the incidence of pregnancy and stones is no greater than the general population, with a 1:1,500 risk. Pregnancy and nephrolithiasis can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges during different stages of the pregnancy. The purpose of this chapter is to review urolithiasis and pregnancy, with an understanding of the symptoms, different types of work up and various treatment options to manage you and your fetus during this period.