- Preconception care is the decisive stage for successful motherhood in women with kidney transplant
Preconception care is the decisive stage for successful motherhood in women with kidney transplant
Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 2026. 2(183): 81-91. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.2(183).8191
Medved V. I., Ogorodnyk K. M.
SI ‘Ukrainian Center of Maternity and Childhood of the NAMS of Ukraine’, Kyiv
For citation: Medved VI, Ogorodnyk KM. (2026). Preconception care is the decisive stage for successful motherhood in women with kidney transplant. Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 2(183): 81-91. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.2(183).8191
Article received: Dec 19, 2025. Accepted for publication: Mar 22, 2026.
This article highlights the key aspects of preconception preparation for patients with a kidney transplant.
Aim – to provide structured information on measures for comprehensive, multidisciplinary preconception care for women with kidney transplant to improve maternal and perinatal pregnancy outcomes.
Pregnancy in women after kidney transplantation is not contraindicated; however, it is associated with a number of potential risks and complications. Pregnancy itself does not pose a direct threat to the graft, although it does increase its functional load. However, significant impairment of renal function indicators at the pregestational stage (elevated creatinine levels, significant proteinuria, hyperglycemia, low hemoglobin levels), as well as uncontrolled arterial hypertension and excess body weight, increase the risk of graft dysfunction and loss during pregnancy. It has been established that recipients of grafts from deceased donors have a higher rate of complications. However, these complications can be prevented at the preconception stage. Particular attention is paid to vaccination in renal transplant recipients. Preparation for pregnancy should also include reduction of excess body weight and normalization of carbohydrate metabolism. Thyroid function should be assessed, and achieving a euthyroid state prior to conception is essential. Proper and comprehensive preconception preparation in patients with transplanted kidney provides the foundation for a safe course and successful outcome of pregnancy.
Conclusions. In cases of satisfactory function of the kidney transplant, pregnancy planning is not contraindicated. Preconceptional care for women who received donor kidney is a guarantee of a favorable pregnancy outcome. Unplanned pregnancy is associated with high risks of complications that are dangerous for mother and fetus. The optimal period for conception is 12-24 months after transplantation. Preconceptional care of women with kidney transplant should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: kidney transplantation, preconception, assessment of maternal and perinatal risks, contraception, immunosuppressive therapy, reproductive toxity, vaccination, target levels of physiological indicators.
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