The kidneys remove uric acid that is generated during the body’s metabolic activities. However, during pregnancy, fluctuations in uric acid levels are common due to changes in renal blood flow and hormonal levels. Sometimes these fluctuations are more than optimal, and that may lead to pregnancy complications, making it a critical marker for maternal and fetal health. Read on to learn more about the causes of high uric acid in pregnancy, its complications and more.
During digestion, the body breaks down chemicals called purines from the food you consume and the waste product created is called uric acid. This dissolves in the blood and is excreted from the kidneys in the form of urine. Typically, the kidneys can process this chemical, but when the levels are elevated, they may be unable to fully expel it. This leads to a buildup, and if too much acid accumulates in the body, it leads to a condition called hyperuricemia.
You may not see the symptoms of this condition, especially if uric acid levels are only slightly high. However, as it builds up over time, it can cause symptoms and impair the body. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to your ligaments, tendons, joints and bones. There is also evidence to show that elevated uric acid levels may lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, heart disease and kidney disease.
Hyperuricemia is caused by excess uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is generated in the body when purines (available in foods) are broken down. These purines are not harmful when present in small quantities. But consuming high purine foods regularly can elevate uric acid levels, and the buildup of it in more than normal levels leads to hyperuricemia. Drinks and foods high in purine are:
Certain medications, like water pills (diuretics) and immunosuppressants, may also increase uric acid levels.
Typically, there are no symptoms of hyperurecemia, and most people are not aware of it until the levels become high enough to cause kidney stones or gout.
Symptoms of gout are:
According to experts, the uric acid level should be around 31.1 mg/L in the initial stages of pregnancy. However, it increases as the pregnancy progresses and may reach upto 46.7 mg/L in the later stages of pregnancy. This increase is normal and not a cause for concern. However, women who have preeclampsia have higher uric acid levels than women without this condition.
More than optimal uric acid levels in pregnancy can lead to many health issues for the baby and the mother. Here are some complications of high uric acid levels during pregnancy.
Maternal death: High levels of uric acid in your blood, coupled with hypertensive pregnancy, lead to organ system complications that increase maternal morbidity during pregnancy.
Maternal health issues: High uric acid levels may cause endothelial injury and dysfunction, and other health issues for the mother.
Hypertensive pregnancy: Research shows that high uric acid levels in the expectant mother may cause hypertensive pregnancy.
Risk of poor pregnancy outcomes: Expectant mothers with elevated uric acid levels may have poor fetal prognosis or face unfavourable pregnancy outcomes.
Risk of low birth weight or fetal growth restriction: High uric acid levels can adversely impact fetal development and growth, potentially leading to low birth weight.
Preterm birth: High uric acid levels increase preterm birth risk, reducing gestational periods and reducing the delivery time.
Reduced renal function: High levels of uric acid in pregnancy reduce the rate of glomerular filtration, damaging kidney function.
Gout: The presence of urate (uric acid crystals) in joints leads to painful joints and a condition known as gout. But gout is rare in pregnant women due to high estrogen levels, which remove uric acid.
Elevated uric acid levels in pregnancy may affect fetal health. If an expectant mother has high uric acid levels, the baby’s weight may be compromised, which may lead to damage or death. Long-term complications like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease may occur. If the mother has gestational diabetes, the baby may have high blood sugar.
High uric acid levels pose adverse complications in the fetus and the mother. Complications can be prevented by:
High uric acid in pregnancy is neither good for the baby’s health nor the mother’s health. This condition is usually linked with a form of arthritis called gout, which causes severe discomfort and pain in the joints. A pregnant woman with high uric acid levels is more prone to serious complications like preeclampsia, which damages the organs, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, which affects fetal health too. Thus, managing and monitoring uric acid levels in pregnancy is critical for a healthy pregnancy.
