300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 Clinical Services (Center for Perinatal Urology): FAQs Can my child live with one good kidney? Yes, there are many children who are born with one kidney. They lead normal lives without any limitations or long-term health problems. Will my child need dialysis because of hydronephrosis? No, not if at least one of your child's kidneys is functioning. Is it my fault as a parent that my child has hydronephrosis? In most cases, hydronephrosis is not genetically related and is not related to any specific action that a parent did during pregnancy. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.