What you should know about polyhydramnios !
About 2 of every 100 pregnant women had polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid). Most cases are mild and are the product of a gradual accumulation of fluid in the second half of pregnancy. Approximately half of the cases, polyhydramnios goes away by itself. But some cases begin as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy and often result in very early delivery. Polyhydramnios is diagnosed by ultrasound. Medical experts still do not know for sure the causes of this condition. The cause in 2 out of 3 cases. Known causes are:
- Birth defects in the baby that affect the ability to swallow. Normally, when a fetus swallows amniotic fluid level decreases slightly. This helps balance the increased fluid when the fetus urinates.
- Heart defects in the baby
Women with diabetes are at increased risk for polyhydramnios, but seem to have fewer complications from it than non-diabetic. Women with mild polyhydramnios have few symptoms. Women with polyhydramnios may have more serious discomfort in the stomach and breathing problems, because the increased fluid causes the uterus invades the space of the lungs and organs of the belly.
Polyhydramnios may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, including:
* Premature rupture of membranes (tear or rupture of the sac containing the amniotic fluid)
* Prematurity
* The umbilical cord accidents
* The placental
* Little baby’s growth
* The stillbirth
* Cesarean delivery
* Severe bleeding in the mother after delivery.