Ureteral function in pregnant women

Hydronephrosis of Pregnancy: a Naturally Occurring Disorder in Non-human Primates Closely Resembling that in Man

“…The upright posture of woman causing the gravid uterus to compress the ureters at the pelvic brim has been thought to be responsible for the entity [Rubi and Sala, 1968]. This theory is strengthened by the absence of ureteral dilation in most studies of the pregnant quadruped, in which the dependent gravid uterus would not be expected to compress the ureter.…”

Dilatation of the Urinary Tract during Pregnancy and Its Management

“…Urodynamic investigations of pregnant women give further evi dence for a mechanical obstruction. Rubi and Sala [15] observed an increase of the ureteral tonus 15, 20 and 25 cm above the ureterovesical junction, 5 and 10 cm from the orifice no changes were noted. If a patient lies on her side a decrease of tonus occurs [11].…”