Perspectives on Pregnancy in Women With CKD: A Semistructured Interview Study

Decisions surrounding pregnancy in the context of CKD require women to confront uncertainties about their own survival, disease progression, guilt toward their family and kidney donor, the outcomes of their offspring, and genetic transmission. Communicating the medical risks of pregnancy to women with CKD must be carefully balanced with their values of autonomy, hope, security, and family. Informed and shared decision making that addresses women's priorities as identified in this study may help contribute to improved pregnancy, health, and psychosocial outcomes in this vulnerable population.