Urological Etiologies of Abdominal Pain

Many physiological changes occur in the genitourinary system during pregnancy. These changes create a diagnostic dilemma when it comes to the work up of the pregnant patient with abdominal pain. Urological conditions are a significant contributor to the symptomatic patient. Alterations in the collecting system such as hydronephrosis can become problematic. The pregnant patient is at risk for infectious processes such as cystitis and pyelonephritis. Kidney stones develop at normal rates during pregnancy, and management has to be customized to the stage of pregnancy. Imaging to diagnose the patient has to be done with the least amount of radiation as required and can be done safely. Urological pain in the pregnant patient can be treated safely and effectively.