Ashwini’s struggle: infertility, kidney condition and tough decisions
Ashwini revealed during the interview that she and her husband, actor Murali Sharma, had been thinking about starting a family. However, kidney disease made the process much more difficult. “We tried, but at some point the doctor told me that my kidneys couldn’t handle the pressure,” Ashwini explained. “It would either hurt me or the baby.” The revelation underscores the gravity of his situation and the risky nature of the decision he faced.
At the time, options like surrogacy were either not widely available or unaffordable. Still in the early stages of their careers, the couple lacked the resources to explore alternative methods of having children. Ashwini’s experience highlights the broader challenges faced by women struggling with infertility due to health issues and social pressures related to motherhood.
Why does kidney disease complicate pregnancy?
The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health by managing fluid levels, removing waste products, and regulating blood pressure. During pregnancy, these functions are pushed to their limits as the body works to support the mother and the growing fetus. In women with existing kidney problems, this increased pressure can cause a number of complications that can be life-threatening for both.
Pregnancy naturally places an increased burden on the kidneys. They must process more blood and manage waste products for both mother and baby. This extra demand can be especially dangerous for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other kidney failure.
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One of the most important risks associated with kidney disease is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Uncontrolled blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and possible organ damage. If preeclampsia is left untreated, it can develop into eclampsia, which causes seizures and can be fatal for both mother and baby.
Complications of kidney problems during pregnancy
For women like Ashwini, the decision to avoid pregnancy is often based on the significant risks associated with kidney dysfunction. According to Dr. N Sarada Wani, Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Minimal Access Surgeon (Laparoscopy), High Risk Pregnancy Specialist, Yashoda Hospital, here are some of the early complications that can arise when pregnancy and kidney disease intersect:
Preeclampsia and eclampsia
Kidney problems significantly increase the risk of preeclampsia, which, if left untreated, can progress to eclampsia. This condition can lead to seizures, liver or kidney failure, and the need for premature delivery to save the mother’s life.
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Pregnancy can cause acute kidney injury, a sudden decrease in kidney function that can have serious consequences. AKI can progress rapidly, require immediate medical intervention, and potentially lead to long-term dialysis.
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Proteinuria
Excess protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, is a sign of impaired kidney function. This condition can worsen during pregnancy and lead to other complications, including placental damage and impaired fetal growth.
Fetal growth disorder
Maternal kidney dysfunction can reduce blood flow to the placenta and lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Babies with IUGR are often born smaller and may have developmental problems. In severe cases, kidney problems can lead to premature birth or stillbirth.
Balancing health and parenting
Ashwini Kaleskar’s journey is a reminder of the difficult balance many women face as their health conditions conflict with their desire to have children. While medical advances such as surrogacy, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and kidney transplants offer hope to many, these options are not always available due to financial or logistical constraints.
Her story also highlights the importance of raising awareness about how underlying health conditions, especially kidney disease, can affect fertility. Early detection, regular health check-ups, and consultation with specialists can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Bottom line
By sharing her deeply personal struggles, Ashwini Kaleskar has opened the door to broader conversations about infertility, kidney health, and the challenges many women face in silence. Her courage serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them that putting their health first is sometimes the bravest choice. For women struggling with kidney disease, understanding the risks associated with pregnancy is essential to making decisions that will protect their lives and futures.
