During pregnancy, a patient who is receiving hemodialysis for end-stage kidney disease should generally receive hemodialysis how often?

During pregnancy, a patient with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis typically requires more frequent dialysis sessions compared to non-pregnant individuals. This is primarily due to the increased metabolic demands and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, which can heighten the strain on the kidneys and alter fluid and electrolyte balance. Therefore, patients may benefit from more frequent dialysis to effectively manage these changes and minimize complications such as fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances.

Receiving hemodialysis six days a week allows for better control of these factors, optimizing maternal and fetal health by ensuring that waste products and excess fluids are effectively cleared from the body. This frequency helps to maintain a better overall condition for both the mother and the developing fetus, as it helps manage potential risks associated with pregnancy in patients with compromised kidney function.

This approach is preferred to promote optimal health outcomes for both the mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.