AMNIOTIC FLUID HYDRAMNIOS
Category: Child Health
Abstract : What is amniotic fluid? Amniotic fluid is an important part of pregnancy and
fetal development. This watery fluid is inside a casing called the amniotic
membrane (or sac) and fluid surrounds the fetus throughout pregnancy. Normal
amounts may vary, but, generally, women carry about 500 ml of amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid helps protect and cushion the fetus and plays an important role
in
What is amniotic fluid? Amniotic fluid is an important part of pregnancy and
fetal development. This watery fluid is inside a casing called the amniotic
membrane (or sac) and fluid surrounds the fetus throughout pregnancy. Normal
amounts may vary, but, generally, women carry about 500 ml of amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid helps protect and cushion the fetus and plays an important role
in the development of many of the fetal organs including the lungs, kidneys, and
gastrointestinal tract. Fluid is produced by the fetal lungs and kidneys. It is
taken up with fetal swallowing and sent across the placenta to the mother's
circulation. Amniotic fluid problems occur in about 7 percent of pregnancies.
Too much or too little amniotic fluid is associated with abnormalities in
development and pregnancy complications. Differences in the amount of fluid may
be the cause or the result of the problem.
What is hydramnios?
Hydramnios is a condition
in which there is too much amniotic fluid around the fetus. It occurs in about 3
to 4 percent of all pregnancies. It is also called polyhydramnios.
What causes
hydramnios?
There are several causes of hydramnios. Generally,
either too much fluid is being produced or there is a problem with the fluid
being taken up, or both. Factors that are associated with hydramnios include the
following:
- Maternal factors:
- Fetal factors:
- gastrointestinal abnormalities that block the passage of fluid
- abnormal swallowing due to problems with the central nervous system or
chromosomal abnormalities
- twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
- heart failure
- congenital infection (acquired in pregnancy)
Why is hydramnios a
concern?
Too much amniotic fluid can cause the mother's uterus to
become overdistended and may lead to preterm labor or premature rupture of
membranes (the amniotic sac). Hydramnios is also associated with birth defects
in the fetus. When the amniotic sac ruptures, large amounts of fluid leaving the
uterus may increase the risk of placental abruption (early detachment of the
placenta) or umbilical cord prolapse (when the cord falls down through the
cervical opening) where it may be compressed.
What are the symptoms of hydramnios?
The
following are the most common symptoms of hydramnios. However, each woman may
experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- rapid growth of uterus
- discomfort in the abdomen
- uterine contractions
The symptoms of hydramnios may resemble other medical
conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is hydramnios
diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and a
physical examination, hydramnios is usually diagnosed with ultrasound (a test
using sound waves to create a picture of internal structures) by measuring
pockets of fluid to estimate the total volume. In some cases, ultrasound is also
helpful in finding a cause of hydramnios, such as multiple pregnancy or a birth
defect.
Treatment for
hydramnios:
Specific treatment for hydramnios 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 hydramnios may include:
- close monitoring the amount of amniotic fluid and frequent follow-up visits
with the physician
- medication (to decrease fetal urine production)
- amnioreduction - amniocentesis (inserting a needle through the uterus and
into the amniotic sac) to remove some of the amniotic fluid; this procedure may
need to be repeated.
- delivery (if complications endanger the well-being of the fetus or mother,
then an early delivery may be necessary)
The goal of treatment is to relieve the mother's discomfort
and continue the pregnancy.
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