Polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios is a condition of excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid). This fluid surrounds the fetus in the uterus during pregnancy Polyhydramnios occurs in about 1% of pregnancies

Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and are manifested by the accumulation of amniotic fluid in the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios causes respiratory failure, early labor, and other signs and symptoms

If the patient is diagnosed with polyhydramnios, the doctor will monitor the progress of the pregnancy to avoid expected complications. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition Mild polyhydramnios will pass by itself Severe polyhydramnios requires treatment such as drainage of excess fluid

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The causes of polyhydramnios are:

• Congenital abnormality of the fetus, digestive system or nervous system
• Diabetes in the mother
• Twin transfusion phenomenon – a complication of twins from one egg, when one baby receives too much blood, and the other receives too much blood.

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  Symptoms of polyhydramnios are caused by fluid pressure on the uterus and nearby organs
  
  Mild polyhydramnios causes mild symptoms and signs Severe polyhydramnios presents with these symptoms:
  
  
  • Shortness of breath and difficulty, relieved by standing up
  • Swelling in the lower limbs, vulva and abdominal wall
  • Decreased urine output
  
  Your doctor