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A growing baby is fenced by amniotic fluid in the womb. The amniotic fluid protects the growing fetus by acting as a cushion and prevents any kind infection in the womb. It also makes the movement of the baby easier in the womb. This way it helps in the musculoskeletal development. It also helps with the development of lungs and different organ systems. What happens if the quantity of amniotic fluid increases abnormally during pregnancy? How does it affect the pregnancy? Continue reading to know more about polyhydramnios, a condition in which the amount of the amniotic fluid increases abnormally.
Polyhydramnios is an abnormal condition that happens during pregnancy caused by excess amniotic fluid. The increased levels of fluid can bring about several issues during different stages of pregnancy and delivery and can often lead to adverse pregnancy complications. Polyhydramnios is seen in around 1% of pregnancies.
The polyhydramnios can be either chronic, in which the buildup of amniotic fluid will progress slowly or can be acute, marked by quick accumulation of amniotic fluid.
During the initial 14 weeks of gestation, the amniotic fluid is made from water and fluids taken in by the mother. After that, as the baby grows, majority of the fluid actually consists of baby’s urine. It breathes in the fluid, swallows some and excretes the same as urine to maintain a balance. For various reasons this delicate balance of amniotic fluid can be disturbed resulting in too much or too little fluid buildup, either one of which is not a favorable condition for a healthy pregnancy.
In about 50% of polyhydramnios cases, there are no definite reasons to pinpoint. More studies are required in this field for further information. In the other 50% cases, polyhydramnios is due to either maternal, placental or fetal issues. Here are the most significant reasons behind polyhydramnios.
Usually, the polyhydramnios has no significant symptoms. However, severe polyhydramnios shows certain symptoms as the increased amniotic fluid put pressure both inside and on the organs that are situated outside the uterus. The symptoms caused by severe polyhydramnios include:
With excess amniotic fluid, there will be increased risks of:
If the doctor doubts polyhydramnios, he will straight away go for an ultrasound. If needed he will go for a more detailed scan, in which, the amniotic fluid index is evaluated. This is done by measuring the four deepest pockets in four different areas of the uterus. If the total is or above 25 centimeters or a single pocket has fluid more than 8 cm deep, polyhydramnios is confirmed. Other tests like amniocentesis, glucose challenge test or karyotype are conducted to find the reason.
Once polyhydramnios is confirmed, the baby and mother will be closely monitored. The non-stress test, fetal echocardiogram, Doppler ultrasound, biophysical profile etc. are done for close monitoring.
In addition, complete bed rest, avoiding long journeys (even short jerky ones), using pregnancy cushions to support the big belly, avoiding lying down position immediately after food, consumption of less spicy food etc. are suggested to avoid further complications.
Only acute polyhydramnios are usually treated. Whereas, the moderate ones only needed to be closely monitored. The treatment options are determined according to the severity and cause. Some of the treatment options are:
After treatment, the doctor will still want to monitor the amniotic fluid levels every one to three weeks.
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