Fluid in Kidneys?

My SIL is 21 weeks pregnant with her 2nd child (a boy). At her 3-D sonogram, they told her that the baby has fluid in its kidneys. This can be a marker for Down Syndrome so they are sending her for a level 2 sonogram this week. Of course, she is worried thast something is wrong. Has anyone experienced this before? Any advice is appreciated!!

Re: Fluid in Kidneys?

Are they sure that there is fluid in the kidneys or are the just enlarged? Our baby girl has enlarged kidneys so I have done a lot of research and know that enlarged kidneys in boys before birth is very common - much more than in girls. I have been monitored with sonos every 4 weeks (they are not so enlarged to be dysplastic or cystic so the perinatologist feels monthly sonos are enough). I have been told by all the Drs in my practice and the sono tech that they usually wait for the baby to have their first pee after birth and the swelling goes away. They don't understand why this happens but it seems pretty common. Our cousin's also had it and was fine after he was born.

And yes, it is one of the soft markers for Downs (of which there are about 20) but if every other measurement is good (heart, limbs, brain, etc.) the risk is practically non-existent - again, according to my Drs.

Has she had her NT scan and screening? Were those results okay?

Re: Fluid in Kidneys?

My DS had fluid in the kidneys prior to birth. We monitored it via u/s every 4 wks. Turned out to be nothing. He is a healthy happy 4 yo.

Re: Fluid in Kidneys?

Both my sons had it, and I was terrified my entire pregnancy. As soon as they came out, they peed and it immediately went away