Urological conditions in pregnancy: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Urological conditions in pregnancy represent a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The potential adverse effects of anaesthesia, radiation and drugs on the fetus often complicate traditional diagnostic and treatment measures. As frontline clinicians, obstetricians need an awareness of symptoms, associated obstetric complications and an appreciation of available current diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and their associated risks. This article describes common urinary problems encountered in pregnancy: infection, hydronephrosis and urolithiasis specifically. The aim of this paper is to review the safety, efficacy and role of different imaging studies available for the diagnosis of urolithiasis in pregnancy. Conservative management as first line treatment and a variety of interventional urological procedures with postoperative management are also discussed. Such a background may facilitate a rational management protocol for urological problems in a pregnant woman.