Neonatal Hydronephrosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Neonatal hydronephrosis is a condition that prevents your newborn's urine from draining properly into his bladder. Extra urine collects and overfills the kidneys. This stretches and enlarges the kidneys, causing pain, bleeding, or infection.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Antibiotics may be given to help prevent an infection caused by bacteria if your newborn has urine reflux.
- Give your newborn's medicine as directed. Contact your newborn's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your newborn is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your newborn takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your newborn's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.
- Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age. Your newborn could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your newborn's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.
Follow up with your newborn's healthcare provider as directed:
Your newborn will need to return for imaging tests to check kidney and bladder function. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Contact your newborn's healthcare provider if:
- Your newborn has a fever.
- Your newborn is fussy and cries more than usual.
- Your newborn's urine is pink or red.
- You have questions or concerns about your newborn's condition or care.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your newborn has a seizure.
- Your newborn will not breastfeed or drink formula.
- Your newborn is urinating less or not at all.
- Your newborn seems weak or sleeps more than usual.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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