
It occurs when part of the urinary tract is filled with too much urine, which is often, but not always from a blockage. Hydronephrosis is the most common abnormality detected on the ultrasound. What types of problems can my doctor see on the ultrasound? In some cases the connections can be abnormal and hydronephrosis or reflux can be a problem. Two ureters can drain a single kidney.In boys, the most common blockage of the uretha is called urethral valves. This places extra pressure on the renal pelvis in both kidneys and on the ureters, which can dilate. A blockage of the urethra can affect emptying of the bladder, causing the pressure in the bladder to be greater.A blockage of the outflow of urine or reverse flow of urine already in the bladder (called reflux) can cause the renal pelvis to become enlarged.The kidneys may be missing or in a wrong position.What types of problems can happen to the urinary tract in the baby?īirth defects can occur in any part of the urinary tract. If not enough urine is being produced, there may not be enough amniotic fluid. This fluid is composed mostly of urine made by the baby. The bladder slowly fills up with urine, which empties from the body through another small tube called the urethra.ĭuring pregnancy, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid within the mother's womb. From the renal pelvis, the urine travels down a narrow tube called the ureter into the bladder. The urine collects into a part of the kidney called the renal pelvis. The urine is formed when the kidneys filter blood and remove excess waste materials and fluid. The urinary tract has four parts: the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. The main function of the urinary tract is to remove wastes and fluid from the body. The following overview of the urinary tract will help you understand the problems your baby may have. Different types of problems can be found including absence of one or both kidneys, abnormal position of a kidney, hydronephrosis (swelling of a kidney), fluid-filled cysts and tumors. In recent years, better ultrasound machines have allowed your doctor to see your baby's kidneys more clearly during pregnancy.
