Peritoneal dialysis and pregnancy

Peritoneal dialysis during pregnancy and the postpartum period has specific aspects regarding techniques and indications. Perinatal complications are frequent and warrant multidisciplinary management. In this study we reviewed the indications of peritoneal dialysis, principal maternal and fetal objectives during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, technical recommendations for use, important medical aspects, complications and treatment decisions. The review includes peritoneal techniques with rigid and flexible catheter (Tenckhoff type) in patients who become pregnant while undergoing dialysis and in those patients whose pregnancies warrant peritoneal dialysis. Regardless of the technique of peritoneal dialysis used, in pregnant or postpartum patients this type of invasive treatment represents a challenge for multidisciplinary health care management. Knowledge of the technical aspects and medical management contribute to obtaining improved perinatal results.