Amniotic Fluid:Polyhydramnios

How can having excess amniotic fluid in the womb affect my developing baby?

During pregnancy, amniotic fluid is produced first by the mother's body and later by the baby's urine to provide a warm and safe environment for the developing baby. When the fluid levels are too high, this is referred to as polyhydramnios. This condition can occur at any point during the pregnancy and is seen in approximately 2% of all pregnancies.

Polyhdyramnios can be very dangerous. Usually the amniotic fluid levels will rise slowly, but some women will notice a sudden increase in the amount of fluid surrounding the baby. Doctors are able to diagnose this condition during an ultrasound examination.

The causes of polyhydramnios are not fully understood. However, researchers believe that babies who suffer from a birth defect that prevents them from swallowing can be a cause of the condition. This is because babies will begin to ingest and swallow the amniotic fluid, which will decrease the amount some. Fetal heart defects have also been linked to polyhydramnios. Mothers that have diabetes are more likely to develop polyhydramnios as well.

Although most women that experience high levels of amniotic fluid will not experience any major problems, some will. Women that suffer from polyhydramnios are at an increased risk for preterm labor, stillbirth, cesarean section delivery, placental abruption, fetal growth retardation, early rupture of membranes and bleeding in the mother after the delivery has occured.

If you have been diagnosed with polyhydramnios, your healthcare provider will most likely monitor your pregnancy closely and may categorize you as a high risk patient. You will probably be given frequent ulrasound examinations to determine the condition of your developing baby. Sometimes polyhydramnios will clear up on its own without any medical intervention. Some doctors will treat their patients by removing some of the fluid or prescribing medication to reduce the fluid levels. If your pregnancy is far enough along and the doctor feels it is best to deliver the baby, that may be suggested.

Comments: Amniotic Fluid - Polyhydramnios

Comments 1 to 7 of about 7.

luckypenny - 52 days ago.
My levels were so very high....if you are reading this and worried from googling....please message me. My baby was born perfectly healthy girls. Sometimes these things just happen. Man did I gush water out during labor and everytime they checked how far I was dialated though. Yuck.

kimmie kimmie cocoa puff - 206 days ago.
I have it too and I'm so uncomfortable that I can hardly stand it. EVERYTHING hurts. They are keeping a close eye on the baby and I'll be happy if I can make it to 37 weeks. I'm 29 weeks along and measuring 39.5. OUCH! I'm only 5'2' and I'm sure that isn't helping the situation. If anyone has anything they would like to share about their story please message me. I'm very interested in hearing what other docs have done or said. Thanks! K

leahsmom - 226 days ago.
I also had polyhydramnios with my last pregnancy. It was very uncomfortable. After one amnioreduction the fluid returned. I held out until almost 39 weeks and was induced. My baby was born healthy. Feel free to message me on my page if you have questions about my experience or would like to share yours.

hay023 - 303 days ago.
I had severe polyhydramnios and went on to have a normal delivery and a heathy baby girl. I was induced at 37 weeks as fluid increased following a second amnio-reduction. The doctors have not been able to explain why I suffered from this condition perhaps it is just one of those things.

luckypenny - 303 days ago.
I have polyhydramnios and they think its because I may have gestational diabetes. So lots of tests will be done in the near future.

jessy2008 - 342 days ago.
I have just been told I have very high levels of amniotic fluid surrounding my baby I am 35 weeks and so scarred i should have never starting researching the internet! This Is my first baby and i was just wondering to those that have now delivered if everything went well, when you delivered ect! PLease I need some peace of mind!

hay023 - 343 days ago.
Hi has anyone got any advice on suffering with Polyhydramnios? As this is my third baby, i`m 32 weeks pregnant and just had amnio-reduction. No probs with previous 2 babys. I`m really worried after researching it on the net as it said about stillbirth and excesive bleeding during birth. Any advive would be welcome, thanks. xx

More comments:

More sections:

All sections
Trying to conceive
Pregnancy & Birth
Birth defects
Babies