INTRODUCTION: Urinary stones are relatively frequent in pregnant women and raise specific diagnostic and therapeutic problems. The authors conducted a retrospective review of the management of this disease in their establishment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2003, out of a total of 10,398 parturients, 48 pregnant women were hospitalised for renal colic, that is, incidence of 0.04%. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed and clinical, laboratory, treatment and outcome data were analysed. RESULTS: Standard analgesic treatment, comprising paracetamol and an antispasmodic, achieved pain relief in 84% of cases. A concomitant short course of corticosteroid therapy in cases of renal colic refractory to standard treatment was effective in 71% of patients and allowed deferral of surgical management in five out of seven cases. A double J stent was placed in all patients requiring urinary diversion, followed by closer ultrasound and bacteriological monitoring throughout pregnancy. Only two patients required surgical management of their stone after delivery. The only obstetric event related to renal colic was induction of labour at term in two cases because of foetal distress. CONCLUSION: The authors propose a two-stage management plan for renal colic in pregnant women resulting in a low maternal and foetal complication rate.