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Polyhydramnios is the presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.
ConsiderationsAmniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.
While in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at around 34 weeks into the pregnancy (gestation).
The amniotic fluid constantly moves (circulates) as the baby swallows and "inhales" the fluid, and then releases or "exhales" the fluid through urine.
The amniotic fluid helps:
- The developing baby move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth
- The lungs to develop properly
- Keep a relatively constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss
- Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements
Polyhydramnios can occur if the fetus does not swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This can happen due to:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, and diaphragmatic hernia
- Brain and nervous system (neurological) problems, such as anencephaly and myotonic dystrophy
- A variety of other causes, such as poorly controlled Diabetes, achondroplasia,Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Polyhydramnios may also be related to increased fluid production, which occurs with:
- Certain fetal lung disorders
- Multiple gestation (for example, twins or triplets)
- Hydrops fetalis
Sometimes, no specific cause for polyhydramnios is found.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThis condition is discovered during pregnancy. You may have noticed that your belly is getting large very quickly. You doctor or nurse measures the size of your uterus at every visit.
If your uterus is growing faster than expected, or it is larger than normal for your baby's gestational age, the doctor or nurse may:
- Have you come back sooner than normal to re-measure
- Perform an ultrasound
If the health care provider finds a fetal abnormality (birth defect), you may need an amniocentesis to test for a genetic defect.
Women with polyhydramnios are also more likely to go into labor early. Mild polyhydramnios that shows up in the later part of pregnancy does not often cause serious problems. More severe polyhydramnios may be treated with medications or by having extra fluid removed.
The baby will be delivered in a hospital with specialists who can provide immediate evaluation and treatment.
ReferencesStoll BJ. High-risk pregnancies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 95.
Gilbert WM. Amniotic fluid disorders. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 31.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoPolyhydramnios is too much amniotic fluid surrounding an unborn infant.
ConsiderationsAmniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. The amniotic fluid constantly moves as the baby swallows and breathes in the fluid, and then releases it through urine.
While in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout pregnancy. The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at around 34 weeks of pregnancy.
The amniotic fluid helps:
- The developing baby move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth
- The lungs to develop properly
- Keep a relatively constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss
- Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements
Polyhydramnios can occur if the developing baby does not swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This can happen if the baby has certain health problems, including:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, and diaphragmatic hernia
- Brain and nervous system problems, such as anencephaly and myotonic dystrophy
- Achondroplasia
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
It can also happen if the mom has poorly controlled diabetes.
Polyhydramnios may also be due to increased fluid production, which occurs with:
- Certain lung disorders in the baby
- Multiple pregnancy (for example, twins or triplets)
- Hydrops fetalisin the baby
Sometimes, no specific cause for polyhydramnios is found.
Call your health care provider ifCall your health care provider if you are pregnant and notice that your belly is getting large very quickly.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeThis condition is discovered during pregnancy. You doctor or nurse measures the size of your belly at every visit. This tells them your womb (uterus) size. If your womb is growing faster than expected, or it is larger than normal for your baby's gestational age, the doctor or nurse may:
- Have you come back sooner than normal to check it again
- Perform an ultrasound
If the health care provider finds a birth defect, you may need an amniocentesis to test for a genetic defect.
Mild polyhydramnios that shows up in the latter part of pregnancy does not often cause serious problems.
More severe polyhydramnios may be treated with medications or by having extra fluid removed.
Women with polyhydramnios are more likely to go into early labor. The baby will be delivered in a hospital with specialists who can provide immediate evaluation and treatment.
ReferencesCarlo WA. High-risk pregnancies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 89.
Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Disorders of amnionic fluid volume. In: Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2010:chap 21.
Gilbert WM. Amniotic fluid disorders. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 31.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/19/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is Tamil meaning for polyhydramnios?
polyhydrominos
How are polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios detected?
In current obstetrical practice, polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios are usually detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound
What causes polyhydramnios in anencephaly?
Polyhydramnios is the presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. Decreased or excessive amounts of amniotic fluid may be associated with abnormalities in the fetus. Polyhydramnios may result from failure of the fetus to swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This may occur as a result of gastrointestinal disorders, neurological problems, or a variety of other causes. Polyhydramnios may also be related to increased fluid production, as is the case with certain fetal lung disorders. Sometimes, no specific cause for polyhydramnios is found.esophageal atresiaduodenal atresiaanencephalyhydrops fetalisachondroplasiaBeckwith-Wiedemann syndromediaphragmatic herniagastroschisismultifetal gestations (for example, twins or triplets)gestational diabetes
Are there clinical manifestations for polyhydramnios?
Respiratory: dyspnea, edema of legs, vericosities of legs, pre-eclampsia... Abdomen: enlarged abdomen, skin is tense, shiny with large striae..
Pathophysiology of premature rupture of membrane?
Pathophysiology of premsature rupture of membrane
What is the medical terminology combining form meaning multiple?
Often we will put poly- in front of a word, like polyhydramnios is too much amniotic fluid, or polysaccharide is a chain of many sugars.Poly- is the medical term meaning many.
What are major symptoms of alimentary tract obstruction in young patients?
abdominal distention (an abdomen that becomes large and appears swollen), bilious vomiting (due to bile in the stomach), maternal polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac, greater than 2,000 ml) before birth.
What causes polyhydromnios?
n most cases, the exact cause cannot be identified. A single case of polyhydramnios may have one or more causes. Some cases are due to maternal diabetes mellitus, which causes fetal hyperglycemiaand resulting polyuria(fetal urine is a major source of amniotic fluid) and also rh-isoimmunisation can cause it. Few cases are associated with fetal anomalies that impair the ability of the fetus to swallow (the fetus normally swallows the amniotic fluid). These anomalies include:gastrointestinalabnormalities such as esophageal atresia, duodenal atresia, facial cleft, neck masses, tracheoesophageal fistula, and diaphragmatic hernias. An annular pancreas causing obstruction may also be the cause.Bochdalek's hernia, in which the pleuro-peritoneal membranes (especially the left) will fail to develop & seal the pericardio- peritoneal canals. This results in the stomach protrusion up into the thoracic cavity, and the fetus is unable to swallow sufficient amounts of amniotic fluid.fetal renaldisorders that results in increased urine production during pregnancy, such as in antenatal Bartter syndrome.[6]Molecular diagnosis is available for these conditions.[7]neurological abnormalities such as anencephaly, which impair the swallowing reflexchromosomal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome and Edwards syndrome (which is itself often associated with GI abnormalities)Skeletal dysplasia, or dwarfism. There is a possibility of the chest cavity not being large enough to house all of the baby's organs causing the trachea and esophagus to be restricted, not allowing the baby to swallow the appropriate amount of amniotic fluid.It can also be caused by intrauterine infection (TORCH)In a multiple gestation pregnancy, the cause of polyhydramnios usually is twin-twin transfusion syndrome.Other maternal causes include cardiac or kidneyproblems. Additionally, chorioangioma of the placenta can also cause this condition.A recent study distinguishes between mild and severe polyhydramnios and showed that Apgar score of less than 7, perinatal death and structural malformations only occurred in women with severe polyhydramnios.[8]In another study, all patients with polyhydramnios, that had a sonographically normal fetus, showed no chromosomal anomalies
What is the normal volume of amniotic fluid at 37 weeks?
On average, the normal volume of amniotic fluid at 37 weeks is about 1000 mL or 1 L (34 fl oz). While this volume can vary significantly from one pregnancy to another, during late pregnancy a volume of less than 400 mL (13.5 fl oz) is called oligohydramnios; more than 2000 mL (68 fl oz) is called polyhydramnios.
What does it mean if I have too much amniotic fluid?
Congenital defects - The higher the fluid level, the increased chance of a congenital defect. These birth defects hinder swallowing, which can prohibit ingestion of the amniotic fluid, resulting in build up of fluid. Other birth defects could also include intestinal tract blockage or neurological abnormalities. Rh Factor - As screening for the Rh factor has increased, this is no longer a common cause of elevated fluid levels. Maternal Diabetes - Experts have found some correlation between diabetes and too much amniotic fluid. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - This is a complication that can affect identical twin pregnancies. This syndrome is when one baby gets too much blood flow and the other too little due to connections between blood vessels in their shared placenta. Unknown Reasons - According to the Center for Maternal Fetal Medicine, about 65% of cases of polyhydramnios are due to unknown causes. Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result in few, if any, complications. Those with higher levels of fluid could experience one or more of the following risks: * Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) * Placental abruption * Preterm labor and delivery (approximately 26%) * Growth restriction (IUGR) resulting in skeletal malformations * Stillbirth occurs in about 4 in 1000 pregnancies that suffer from polyhydramnios vs. about 2 in1000 pregnancies with normal fluid levels. * Cesarean delivery * Postpartum hemorrhage Many cases of polyhydramnios are easily treated and do not result in complications if the pregnancy is monitored closely. Monitoring would include frequent sonograms measuring growth, biophysical profile and fetal assessment. Other treatments could include: * Medication that can reduce fluid production and are as much as 90% effective. This treatment is not used after 32 weeks gestation because of possible complications. * Amnioreduction is a procedure that can be used to drain excess fluids. This is done through amniocentesis, which may carry certain risks. There is, however, the chance that fluid could build back up even after draining. * Delivery of the baby Last Updated: 01/2007The amniotic fluid is part of the baby's life support system. It protects your baby and aids in the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and the digestive system. Amniotic fluid is produced soon after the amniotic sac forms, about 12 days after conception. It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother. After about 20 weeks into the pregnancy, it is primarily made up of fetal urine. As the baby grows, he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic fluid. In the second trimester the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid levels increase regularly until about 32-33 weeks gestation, and then they level off. In some cases the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. Normal fluid levels may vary, but are usually considered an AFI of 5-25 centimeters or a fluid level of about 800-1000 mL. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too high it is called polyhydramnios.http://www.americanpregnancy.org
Your baby is measuring 4 weeks bigger.?
My baby is measuring 4 weeks bigger....?So i had an ultrasound at 7 weeks and it gave me a due date of nov 1st..second one was 11 weeks and gave me a due date of 10/29, 19 weeks gave me a due date of 10/24....every other one since then I've measured 4 weeks ahead on ultrasound each time:(....and to add to that my ultrasound says the baby weighs 9 pounds already.. I was not a big baby, and my husband was not either.. (i was 6.5 pounds he was 7. 51/2) he is 5'9 and I'm 5'7 so why are we having a huge baby..anyone else with no history of big babies, but having them....THANK YOU..oh PS i tested negative for g.d twice but have polyhydramnios... I WAS TRYING TO ADD THIS TO THE QUESTION BUT THEY WOULDN'T LET ME:(
Is it bad to have to much fluid in mother's womb?
Having too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) can sometimes indicate a problem, such as gestational diabetes, fetal abnormalities, or twin pregnancy complications. It is important to monitor the fluid levels closely and follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
