When Are Kidneys Of The Fetus Visualized During Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Question: Hello doctor, I have a question about an ultrasound I had at 18 weeks. I asked the technician about the kidneys because I had read that they were difficult to see, and he couldn't really see them, but he told me that I shouldn't worry because the fluid level was OK and because the bladder was working properly. My question is, is this normal? Should I be worried? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is normal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Usually kidneys are visualized clearly at 18 weeks. A normal functioning bladder and a normal fluid level is suggestive of normal functioning kidneys. So there is no need to worry.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (5 minutes later)

So, if there was a problem with the kidneys, or if there were no kidneys at all, the bladder wouldn't have been full? And the fluid level would have been abnormal?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Yes. You understood correctly. Absence of kidneys will cause almost no fluid around the baby with a non detectable bladder.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (20 minutes later)

Thank you for your time! :)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you.
I am glad I could help.
You can consult me again directly through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Please accept my answer in case there are no further queries and recommend our services to your friends too if you have found it helpful.
I wish you the very best in whatever you do.
Warm regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar