Fertility Concerns and Information Needs and Preferences of Australian Women With Chronic Kidney Disease: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes for women with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Yet few women with CKD report receiving information about pregnancy and often experience difficulties making informed childbearing decisions and optimizing pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the fertility and childbearing concerns and related information needs and preferences of women with CKD living in Australia.

METHODS

We completed an exploratory qualitative study. Women with CKD, recruited from a public health service in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, participated in an online discussion group hosted on WhatsApp. We analyzed the discussion group transcript for key findings.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 8) reported wanting children but often had fewer children than desired due to concerns about the impact of pregnancy on their CKD and the possible impact of CKD on a pregnancy or their child, including their baby inheriting CKD, how CKD medications may affect their baby, and the potential effects of a kidney transplant. Participants found it difficult to access relevant, up-to-date information about CKD and pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with CKD often have concerns about getting pregnant or having a baby but find it difficult to access information especially from their healthcare team. Women with CKD would benefit from relevant and current information provided at specific times such as before and after a kidney transplant or when considering pregnancy to assist them in making informed decisions and achieving their reproductive goals.