32 weeks scan show baby left kidney is dilated

Hi mama, I know seeing something unexpected on a scan can send your heart racing so I hope I can offer some reassurance here. Fetal kidney dilation (called pyelectasis or hydronephrosis) is actually one of the more common findings on second and third trimester scans, especially in baby boys. The left kidney being slightly more dilated than the right is also quite typical. At 8.0mm at 32 weeks, this sits in a mild to moderate range. What your doctor said about baby possibly holding his pee during the scan is genuinely a real possibility as fetal bladder activity does affect kidney measurements at the time of scanning. The good news is that the majority of cases of mild fetal kidney dilation resolve on their own either before birth or within the first few months after birth. It does not necessarily mean there is a blockage. What typically happens from here is that your doctor will schedule a follow-up scan in a few weeks to see if the measurement changes, and after birth your baby boy will likely have a postnatal kidney ultrasound done to check again once he is outside and peeing on his own. If the dilation persists after birth, a paediatric urologist or nephrologist will follow up and assess further. The key thing to watch out for is whether the measurement increases significantly at subsequent scans, which would prompt a closer look. But many many babies have this finding and go on to be completely fine. Please do try not to spiral too much in the meantime. Your doctor is monitoring it, which is exactly the right thing to do. Sending you and your baby boy lots of good thoughts. 🤍