Yes, hemodialysis can get pregnant. However, the pregnancy of women undergoing hemodialysis is considered high risk and should follow a strict follow-up during prenatal, delivery and postpartum.
Hemodialysis during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, and severe hypertension.
Because of these complications, the woman who undergoes hemodialysis and gets pregnant needs extra care, in addition to a specialized team to perform the follow-up.
The possible complications for the pregnant woman and the baby are due to the fact that hemodialysis causes severe changes in the blood volume. These changes generate marked variations in blood pressure that may decrease blood flow in the placenta, and abruptly reduce urea concentration, impairing the fetus.
The duration of hemodialysis sessions during pregnancy may vary. In such cases, hemodialysis usually lasts for 5 to 6 hours, with a frequency of 3 to 4 times a week.
Generally, the longer the woman undergoes hemodialysis, the longer the pregnancy and the lower the risk of complications. As a result, the chances of premature births decrease, birth weight will be higher, as will the baby's life expectancy.
Learn more at:
What is hemodialysis for?
How is hemodialysis done?
I have hemodialysis: what care should I take?
