At 4 am in the days leading up to Tet, Ms. Thu Nhi (Dong Nai) quietly went to Ho Chi Minh City for regular re-examination. When the doctor announced that the kidney transplant function was stable, the dose of medicine was adjusted down, and the re-examination time could be extended, she really breathed a sigh of relief. After nearly 10 years of fighting kidney disease, that is enough good news for her to feel secure to return home to celebrate Tet with her family.
In 2016, she was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney failure. Only two years later, the disease progressed severely, and she had to have regular dialysis. Springs at that time passed in fatigue, abstinence and worry of complications. "Tet is just like normal days because I have to follow the dialysis schedule," she recalled.
Three years later, she received a kidney transplant. However, according to Dr. Ta Phuong Dung - Deputy Director of the Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, who monitored and treated her, women after kidney transplants must use lifelong immunosuppressants to avoid removing the transplant organ. Pregnancy poses many risks such as miscarriage, premature birth, pre-eclampsia or kidney dysfunction. "Patients should absolutely not have an unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy should only occur when kidney function is stable and appropriate medication has been adjusted before conception," the doctor advised.
After a long period of close monitoring, Ms. Nhi was eligible for pregnancy. Two years ago, she gave birth to a healthy daughter. For her, it was the "second spring" of her life.
In the same waiting room for re-examination, Ms. Minh (29 years old, Tay Ninh) also carried her son who had just been born in mid-January 2026. Kidney failure was discovered when she was young, kidney transplant was done 10 years ago, she had lost her child twice due to incomplete pregnancy. Medical records show that her condition is more complicated, with a higher risk due to underlying diseases affecting many organs.
According to Dr. Dung, each case is a careful consideration process between kidney transplant protection and motherhood. Monitoring needs to be closely coordinated between nephrology and obstetrics, individualizing treatment at each stage. She cited research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023) showing that pregnant women after kidney transplantation have a high survival rate, the majority of children are born healthy, but still have a higher risk of complications than the general population, requiring strict monitoring.
This Tet, Ms. Nhi plans to take her son on a spring trip. Ms. Minh is still in confinement, busy preparing a full-month party for her son. "I once thought I would never be a mother. Now that my son is in my arms, Tet is truly complete," she said emotionally.
