Polyhydramnios: symptoms, causes, and how to treat & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is polyhydramnios?

Polyhydramnios is a condition that occurs when too much amniotic fluid builds up during pregnancy.

Quoting from the Mayo Clinic, this condition is also called amniotic fluid, or hydramnios, and occurs in about 1 percent of all pregnancies.

Too much amniotic fluid can cause the mother's uterus to enlarge excessively and lead to premature birth or premature rupture of the amniotic sac. This condition is also associated with birth defects in the fetus.

When the amniotic sac ruptures, large amounts of fluid leaking out of the uterus can increase the risk of abruption of the placenta (premature discharge of the placenta) or umbilical cord prolapse (when the umbilical cord passes through the cervical opening) causing the cord to become crushed.

A lot of amniotic fluid makes it easy for the fetus to turn and turn. This means that there is a high probability that the baby will be in the lower leg (breech) position at the time of delivery.

Babies in a breech position can sometimes be moved to return to their normal position, which is head down. However, breech delivery conditions often require caesarean section.

Most cases of hydramnios are mild and are caused by a gradual buildup of amniotic fluid during the second half of pregnancy.

Severe hydramnios can cause shortness of breath, preterm labor, or other signs and symptoms.

If polyhydramnios is diagnosed, the doctor will carefully monitor the pregnancy to help prevent complications.

The treatment performed can depend on the severity of the condition. Mild polyhydramnios goes away on its own.

However, severe conditions may require treatment, such as removing excess amniotic fluid.

How common is hydramnios?

Hydramnios can occur in pregnant women of any age. The condition can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of polyhydramnios?

Polyhydramnios often have no symptoms. There are several symptoms that generally appear, although each woman can experience different characteristics.

Some of the common symptoms of polyhydramnios are:

Rapid development of the uterus
Abdominal discomfort
Uterine contractions

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Stomach ache
Swelling or flatulence

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, consult your doctor.

Cause

What causes polyhydramnios?

Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects the fetus while it is in the womb.

The amniotic fluid comes from the baby's kidneys and goes to the uterus from the baby's urine. Amniotic fluid is absorbed when the baby swallows and through breathing movements.

The amount of amniotic fluid will increase until the 26th week of pregnancy. After that, it slowly diminished. If the fetus produces too much urine or does not swallow enough fluids, amniotic fluid will build up.

This is what causes a lot of amniotic fluid, aka hydramnios. Quoting from the Children Hospital of Philadelphia, in general, the cause of polyhydramnios is not found. In the mother, the factors associated with polyhydramnios are diabetes.

Meanwhile in the fetus, the factors that cause amniotic fluid problems are:

Digestive disorders that block the passage of fluids.
Unreasonable swallowing due to problems with the central nervous system or chromosomal abnormalities.
Twin transfusion syndrome
Heart failure
Congenital infection (occurs during pregnancy)

Too much amniotic fluid can cause the mother's uterus to be too large, premature labor, to premature rupture of the membranes (PROM).

Risk Factors

What puts a person at risk for hydramnios?

There are many risk factors that make pregnant women experience this, including:

Multiple pregnancy (two or three babies, or more)
Birth defects of the brain and spine
Blockage in the digestive system
Genetic disorders (problems with inherited chromosomes)

When the amniotic sac ruptures, the discharge from the uterus can increase the risk of abruption of the placenta (the placenta releases prematurely).

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is polyhydramnios diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, polyhydramnios is usually diagnosed via ultrasound by measuring the fluid sac to estimate the total volume.

In some cases, ultrasound can also help find the cause of hydramnios, such as multiple pregnancies or birth defects.

You may also need additional tests, such as:

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid containing fetal cells and various chemicals the baby produces is taken from the uterus for testing.

Glucose challenge test

Glucose challenge test is a screening test for a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

After fasting overnight, pregnant women will be asked to drink sugar syrup. Blood sugar levels will be checked every 3 hours. If the results of (at least) 2 tests are higher than normal, you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Karyotype

Karyotype tests are used to check for abnormalities in the baby's chromosomes. The cells required for the test can be taken from the amniotic fluid sample during amniocentesis or a small piece of tissue from the placenta during the chorionic villus sampling test.

If diagnosed with polyhydramnios, the doctor will monitor the pregnancy with weekly ultrasounds to measure the amniotic fluid levels. The doctor can also perform routine tests to see the baby's health, including:

Nonstress test

This test looks at how the baby's heart rate reacts when the baby moves. During this test, pregnant women will wear a special device on the abdomen to measure the baby's heart rate.

You will be asked to eat or drink something to keep the baby active. Device like buzzer can also be used to wake the baby and encourage movement.

Biophysical profile

This test combines an ultrasound with a nonstress test to provide more information about the baby's breathing, shape and movement, and the volume of amniotic fluid in the uterus.

Doppler ultrasound

This particular type of ultrasound can provide details regarding a baby's circulatory system.

How is hydramnios handled?

The specific treatment for hydroamnion will be determined by the doctor based on:

Pregnancy, health, and medical history
Condition level
Tolerance to certain drugs, procedures, or therapies
Expectations (estimates) of the course of the disease (prognosis)
Your opinion or preference

Mild cases of polyhydramnios rarely require treatment and can go away on their own. Even cases that cause discomfort can usually be resolved without certain medical treatment.

In other cases, treatment for the underlying condition, such as diabetes, can help treat the condition.

If you have premature labor, shortness of breath, or stomach pain, you may need treatment (this could be in the hospital). Treatments for polyhydramnios can include:

Monitor the amount of amniotic fluid and follow-up visits to the doctor
Medication (to reduce fetal urine production)
Amnioreduction - amniocentesis (inserting a needle through the uterus and into the amniotic sac)
Labor

Delivery is necessary if this condition causes complications that endanger the health of the fetus or mother.

The goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort in the mother and continue the pregnancy.

Prevention

What can I do to treat or prevent polyhydramnios?

You cannot prevent polyhydramnios. If you have symptoms, let your doctor know so that they can be examined and treated, if needed. Regular visits are also important to monitor the state of the pregnancy.

If you have questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to the problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.