Pregnant Woman’s Leg Swelling Leads to Early Detection of Rare Kidney Disorder at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Mumbai: Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road identified a rare and clinically significant kidney condition in a pregnant woman who presented with swelling in both legs, a symptom often mistaken as a normal part of pregnancy. The patient first consulted Dr. Mangala Patil, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, who advised a routine urine examination as part of pregnancy evaluation. The test revealed the presence of protein in the urine, following which the patient was referred for further medical assessment.

Subsequent investigations confirmed severe proteinuria of approximately 7 grams per day, a level considered dangerous and indicative of serious kidney involvement, A subsequent diagnosis of Membranous nephropathy was made after a kidney biopsy done safely during pregnancy. Early referral played a key role in preventing further complications for both the mother and the unborn child. The patient was then managed under the guidance of Dr. Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

“Pregnancy can mask early warning signs of kidney disease,” said Dr. Puneet Bhuwania. “Leg swelling is often assumed to be normal, but a simple urine test can reveal serious underlying issues. Early detection allowed us to stabilize the patient and ensure a safe outcome.”

During in-depth evaluation, doctors noted that the patient had been using cosmetic fairness creams prior to diagnosis. No direct cause can be established without laboratory confirmation, but the patient was found to have high levels of mercury which can be seen in some unregulated cosmetic products that can aggravate underlying medical conditions, especially during pregnancy. Doctors stress the importance of caution while using non-prescribed cosmetic products during this sensitive period.

The patient underwent detailed investigations and pregnancy-safe nephrology care with close monitoring. After more than 2 weeks of follow-up, her condition improved steadily and she is currently doing well.

This case forms part of a broader clinical observation being documented by the medical team. Similar cases are under review and will be combined into a formal medical case report intended for publication, highlighting a rare but emerging nephrological presentation. Comparable cases have recently drawn attention in national media, underlining the growing relevance of such conditions. Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road emphasize that symptoms such as persistent leg swelling during pregnancy should never be ignored. Simple tests like urine examination can play a critical role in early diagnosis and timely treatment, added by  Dr. Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

This case was managed at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, under the care of Dr. Mangala Patil (Obstetrics and Gynecology) and Dr. Puneet Bhuwania (Nephrology), reflecting the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in high-risk pregnancy care.

Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd. is a chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals with facilities in Nagpur, Rajkot, South Mumbai, and North Mumbai. Known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and globally benchmarked processes, Wockhardt Hospitals prioritizes patient safety and quality of care. The guiding philosophy is to serve and enrich the Quality of Life of patients, making it one of the few professionally managed corporate hospital groups in the country.