Pregnancy, Kids, and IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in 2001, when my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 105—within the normal range.

My IgAN diagnosis before pregnancy

By 2006, it had fallen to approximately 85, and I became pregnant with my first child. I had not fully considered how IgAN might affect pregnancy, so I began the experience without much concern. My nephrologist did not adjust my medications, monitor me more closely, or classify the pregnancy as high risk. In reality, however, there were significant risks.

First pregnancy: an unexpected crisis with IgAN

At 36 weeks, my family doctor admitted me to hospital because of high blood pressure. I remember asking whether I could first go home to collect my belongings, but I was told there was no time. I was quickly induced and delivered my baby.

At first, I felt well. Then a nurse asked whether I was seeing spots or experiencing changes in my vision. I was not, but she told me that my blood pressure had risen to 200/120—a potentially fatal level.

My baby was taken from me while I was nursing, and I was moved to a dark, quiet room because the medical team was concerned that I might have a seizure. They prepared to give me intravenous magnesium sulfate.

Fortunately, my blood pressure gradually stabilized in the calm environment, and I did not need the treatment. After nine days in hospital recovering from preeclampsia, I was finally discharged and able to go home with my son.

Finding better IgAN care: a silver lining

The silver lining was meeting my new—and current—nephrologist. She was consulted during my hospital stay and arranged for my care to be transferred to her.

Changing specialists in Canada is not always easy, but she made it happen. Under her care, I received closer monitoring, more thorough follow-up, and appropriate medication adjustments. It was also the first time I felt that a medical professional truly took my diagnosis seriously.

Second pregnancy: better prepared, still high risk with IgAN

I wish I could say my next pregnancy was uneventful. My nephrologist had advised me to wait at least a year before becoming pregnant again, but when my eldest was eight months old, I learned that I was expecting my second son.

This time, the pregnancy was classified as high risk, and I had more frequent checkups and ultrasounds. An induction was planned for 37 weeks. I developed preeclampsia again and had another extended hospital stay, but the situation was more controlled, and I knew I was in capable hands.

Life at home with two children under two

I was fortunate that my parents came to help when the boys were young. Honestly, I do not remember feeling tired; I was fully occupied caring for a newborn and a 17-month-old, and their needs were at the centre of my life.

Those years were busy but joyful, and I tried to hold on to every moment. I remained energetic until around 2020, when my kidney disease progressed to stage 4 and my GFR fell to approximately 27.

Declining kidney function and parental guilt with IgAN

As my GFR declined, my sons were older, but I felt they still needed me—perhaps more than ever. I could no longer support them in the same ways I once had. The changes were noticeable:

• I tired more quickly.
• I struggled to keep up physically.
• Everyday tasks, including cooking, became more difficult.
• My energy was depleted much faster than before.

Comments from my kids such as "you never…" intensified my guilt. I realized that I needed to explain how reduced kidney function affected my daily life.

Speaking openly helped my sons understand that my limitations were not a lack of interest or effort. I still wanted to be active with them; I simply could not function as I had a few years earlier.

Adapting to life with IgAN

Now, at 18 and 19, my sons understand my illness much better. They know that I take a daily nap, need more help around the house, and become fatigued more easily. They also know that I can still enjoy time with them.

As a family, we have learned to adapt and find different ways to stay connected.