Hydramnios
Excess of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac
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| Synonyms | Polyhydramnion, hydramnios, polyhydramnios |
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Hydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid in the uterus during pregnancy.
What is amniotic fluid?[edit | edit source]
Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb (uterus).
How is amniotic fluid formed?[edit | edit source]
It comes from the baby's kidneys, and it goes into the uterus from the baby's urine.
How is amniotic fluid absorbed?[edit | edit source]
The fluid is absorbed when the baby swallows it and through breathing motions.
Amount of amniotic fluid[edit | edit source]
The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Then the amount slowly decreases until the baby is born.
Functions[edit | edit source]
While in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. It surrounds and cushions the infant during pregnancy.
- The amniotic fluid also allows baby to move in the womb, promoting muscle and bone growth Helps baby's lungs to develop Protects the baby from heat loss by keeping the temperature constant
- Cushions and protects the baby from sudden blows from outside the womb
Etiology of polyhydramnios[edit | edit source]
- Polyhydramnios can occur if the baby does not swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts.
- Health problems such as gastrointestinal disorders, such as duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, and diaphragmatic hernia Brain and nervous system problems, such as anencephaly and myotonic dystrophy Achondroplasia Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome It can also happen if the mother has poorly controlled diabetes.
- Polyhydramnios may also occur if too much fluid is produced. This may be due to: Certain lung disorders in the baby Multiple pregnancy (for example, twins or triplets) Hydrops fetalis in the baby Sometimes, no specific cause is found.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
There may be increased abdominal size out of proportion for her weight gain and gestation age, uterine size that outpaces gestational age, shiny skin with stria in severe cases, dyspnea, and chest heaviness. Your provider may notice faint fetal heart sounds during the auscultation for the fetal heart sounds.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Asymptomatic polyhydramnios is managed expectantly. Antacids may be prescribed to relieve heartburn and nausea. No data support dietary restriction of salt and fluid. Rarely, hospital admission might be required.
Therapeutic amniocentesis[edit | edit source]
In some cases, amnioreduction, also known as therapeutic amniocentesis, has been used in response to polyhydramnios.
External links[edit | edit source]
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