Pregnancy in women requiring dialysis for renal failure

Pregnancy is an unusual occurrence in women with end-stage renal disease. When it occurs, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death end 75% to 80% of the pregnancies. The mother is at risk for hypertension and abruptio placentae. The fetus is at risk for prematurity and growth retardation. Surviving infants appear to be normal. This report outlines the problems in 37 pregnancies (22 in the reported literature and 15 not yet reported). It outlines strategies for improving the chances of survival of the infant.