In light of International Women’s Day, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch wants to focus on women’s health on Mar. 8.

“While kidney disease can be a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes and can reduce a woman’s ability to get pregnant, many women living with kidney disease can also have safe and successful pregnancies,” says Dr. Monica Beaulieu, a nephrologist with a focus on women’s kidney health.

“It really depends on a number of factors including her overall health and her level of kidney function. Women in the later stages of kidney disease may be at increased risk for complications to both mother and child.”

Although Kidney patient and Kidney Foundation volunteer, Elyse Gawley, 28, hopes to have children, she isn’t sure about the future. She has a type of kidney disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which is an inherited disease.

“This means I have a 50% chance of passing it along to my child,” Gawley says.

Her friend, Kate Chong, 32, also a kidney patient and Kidney Foundation volunteer, recently a kidney transplant from her husband. A kidney transplant can improve a woman’s fertility levels and reduce her overall risks for pregnancy.

“It is amazing to have someone with whom to talk through your concerns and who really understands exactly what you are going through. Kate and I have shared some tears, but also a lot of laughs too,” adds Gawley.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada supports all kidney patients and their families through various programs and services.