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Polyhydramnios
Medical Questions » Polyhydramnios
| Name: Polyhydramnios |
| Also known as: |
| In a pregnant woman, the baby floats in a uterus filled with amniotic fluid which acts to protect it from bumps and jarring and removes waste. Polyhydramnios occurs if excess fluid is present. |
Causes of Polyhydramnios
Occurs in one in every 100 pregnancies, and may be a sign that the fetus has a significant abnormality that prevents it from drinking or causes the excess production of urine. Other causes include a twin pregnancy, and diabetes or heart disease in the mother. In over half the cases no specific cause for the excess fluid can ever be found. |
Symptoms of Polyhydramnios
A uterus that is larger than expected for the length of pregnancy. Normally there is about 1000 mLs. of amniotic fluid at birth. A volume greater than 1500 mLs. is considered to be diagnostic of polyhydramnios, but it may not become apparent until 2500 mLs. or more is present. |
Tests for Polyhydramnios
Diagnosed by an ultrasound scan. Further investigations to determine the cause of the condition must follow (eg. amniocentesis: taking a sample of the fluid for analysis). |
Treatment for Polyhydramnios
Depends upon the cause, but often none is necessary.
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Complications of Polyhydramnios of its treatment
Increased risk to mother of amniotic fluid embolism, a potentially fatal complication that occurs when some of the fluid enters the mother' s blood stream. |
Likely Outcome of Polyhydramnios
Most pregnancies proceed relatively normally, but increased risk of fetal abnormality. |
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