OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS
Category: Child Health
Abstract : Oligohydramnios is a condition in which there is too little amniotic fluid around the fetus. It occurs in about 4 percent of all pregnancies. There are several causes of oligohydramnios. Generally, it is caused by conditions that prevent or reduce amniotic fluid production. Factors that are associated with oligohydramnios include the following:
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Oligohydramnios is a condition in which there is too little amniotic fluid around the fetus. It occurs in about 4 percent of all pregnancies. There are several causes of oligohydramnios. Generally, it is caused by conditions that prevent or reduce amniotic fluid production.
Factors that are associated with oligohydramnios include the following:
- premature rupture of membranes (before labor)
- intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth)
- post-term pregnancy
- birth defects, especially kidney and urinary tract malformations
- twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Why is oligohydramnios a concern?
Amniotic fluid is important in the development of fetal organs, especially the lungs. Too little fluid for long periods may cause abnormal or incomplete development of the lungs called pulmonary hypoplasia. Intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth) is also associated with decreased amounts of amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios may be a complication at delivery, increasing the risk for compression of the umbilical cord and aspiration of thick meconium (baby's first bowel movement).
What are the symptoms of oligohydramnios?
The following are the most common symptoms of oligohydramnios. However, each woman may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- leaking of amniotic fluid when the cause is rupture of the amniotic sac
- decreased amount of amniotic fluid on ultrasound
The symptoms of the oligohydramnios may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is oligohydramnios diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a diagnosis is usually made using ultrasound. Pockets of amniotic fluid can be measured and the total amount estimated. Ultrasound can also show fetal growth, the structure of the kidneys and urinary tract, and detect urine in the fetal bladder. Doppler flow studies (a type of ultrasound used to measure blood flow) may be used to check the arteries in the kidneys.
Treatment for oligohydramnios:
Specific treatment for oligohydramnios will be determined by your physician based on:
- your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the condition
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
Treatment for oligohydramnios may include:
- closely monitoring the amount of amniotic fluid and frequent follow-up visits with the physician
- amnioinfusion - instilling a special fluid into the amniotic sac to replace lost or low levels of amniotic fluid. Amnioinfusion is still experimental, but it may be offered during pregnancy in an attempt to help prevent pulmonary hypoplasia (underdeveloped lungs), or at delivery to help prevent compression of the umbilical cord.
- delivery (if oligohydramnios endangers the well-being of the fetus, then an early delivery may be necessary
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