What is Polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios is a condition during pregnancy where there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus. Amniotic fluid is the protective liquid that cushions the fetus and helps with development. Too much fluid can increase risks for both mother and baby.
What causes Polyhydramnios?
Common causes include:
- Gestational diabetes in the mother
- Fetal abnormalities such as gastrointestinal or neurological disorders that affect swallowing of amniotic fluid
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
- Infections during pregnancy
- Placental problems
- Sometimes the cause is unknown (idiopathic)
What are the symptoms?
Many women with mild polyhydramnios have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Rapid growth of the uterus
- Abdominal discomfort or tightness
- Difficulty breathing due to pressure on the diaphragm
- Swelling in the lower extremities
- Preterm contractions
How is Polyhydramnios diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through:
- Ultrasound: Measuring the amniotic fluid volume using methods like the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or the deepest vertical pocket
- Routine prenatal visits where the uterus size appears larger than expected
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on severity and cause:
- Close monitoring: Frequent ultrasounds and prenatal visits
- Treating underlying causes: Managing diabetes or infections
- Amnioreduction: Draining excess fluid in severe cases to relieve symptoms
- Medications: Such as indomethacin to reduce fetal urine production (used cautiously)
- Planning for delivery if risks to mother or baby increase
What is the prognosis?
Mild polyhydramnios often resolves or causes minimal problems. Severe cases can increase risks of:
- Preterm labor
- Placental abruption
- Umbilical cord complications
- Delivery complications such as postpartum hemorrhage
With proper care, many pregnancies with polyhydramnios result in healthy babies.
What complications can occur?
Possible complications include:
- Preterm birth
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Placental abruption (separation from uterus)
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Increased risk of cesarean delivery
Who is most at risk?
- Pregnant women with poorly controlled diabetes
- Mothers carrying multiples
- Those with fetal anomalies
- Women with infections during pregnancy
Can Polyhydramnios be prevented?
Prevention focuses on:
- Managing maternal health conditions like diabetes before and during pregnancy
- Regular prenatal care to detect early changes in amniotic fluid
- Avoiding infections through good hygiene and prenatal screening
Are there support resources?
Yes, support includes:
- Obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Prenatal education programs
- Support groups for high-risk pregnancies
- Resources from organizations such as the March of Dimes and American Pregnancy Association