Polyhydramnios / Hydramnios

Excess Amniotic Fluid

Polyhydramnios or hydramnios is a condition of pregnancy characterized by too much amniotic fluid. (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy") The March of Dimes (MOD) reports the condition occurs in about 2 out of 100 pregnancies. Amniotic fluid is a sterile solution that surrounds and protects the fetus throughout development. (Read about "Stages of Pregnancy") The fluid comes from the mother early in the pregnancy and from fetal urine later. It is absorbed when the fetus swallows it. However, if the fetus makes too much urine, or doesn't swallow enough, too much fluid accumulates resulting in hydramnios.

MOD reports most cases are mild, but in rare instances, an early buildup of fluid can lead to:

• preterm delivery (Read about "Preterm Labor")
• umbilical cord accidents
• placental abruption (Read about "Placental Complications")
• poor fetal growth
• stillbirth
• cesarean delivery
• severe bleeding by the mother after delivery

Woman with diabetes (Read about "Diabetes") are at increased risk of developing polyhydramnios but the causes of the condition was not fully understood. MOD lists two known causes:

• birth defects in the baby affecting the ability to swallow
• heart defects in the baby (Read about "Congenital Heart Defects")

Mild hydramnios often has no symptoms. But the symptoms of more severe cases include:

• breathlessness
• abdominal pain
• marked swelling or bloating

Doctors can treat the symptoms of hydramnios, but not the condition itself. Treatments include:

• removing some amniotic fluid
• using medication to reduce fluid levels

In addition, for women with diabetes, lowering blood sugar levels can often lower the amount of fluid.

Related Information:

    Pregnancy Resource Center

    Due Date

    Childbirth