Intro Polyhydramnios
(polyhydramnion, hydramnios, polyhydramnios) is a medical condition describing
an excess of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid is the fluid
that surrounds your baby in the womb.
Too much amniotic fluid is normally spotted
during a check-up in the later stages of pregnancy.
It isn't usually a sign of anything
serious, but you'll probably have some extra check-ups and will be advised to
give birth in hospital.
Most women with polyhydramnios won't have
any significant problems during their pregnancy and will have a healthy baby.
But there is a slightly increased risk of:
Pregnancy and birth complications, such as
giving birth prematurely (before 37 weeks), problems with the baby's position
or a problem with the position of the umbilical cord (prolapsed umbilical cord)
A problem with your baby – read about the
causes of polyhydramnios for more information
You'll need extra check-ups to look for
these problems and you'll normally be advised to give birth in hospital.
Symptoms
|
Polyhydramnios tends to develop gradually
and there may not be noticeable symptoms.
Some women experience:
Breathlessness
Swollen feet
Heartburn
Constipation
Feeling your bump is very big and heavy
But these are common problems for pregnant
women and aren't necessarily caused by polyhydramnios. Talk to your midwife if
you have these symptoms and you're worried.
In rare cases, fluid can build up around
the baby quickly. Contact your midwife or doctor if your tummy gets bigger
suddenly.
Causes
|
It's often unclear why too much fluid
sometimes builds up during pregnancy, but it can be due to:
·
a twin or
multiple pregnancy
·
diabetes
in the mother – including diabetes caused by pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
·
a blockage
in the baby's gut (gut atresia)
·
a problem
with the placenta
·
the baby's
blood cells being attacked by the mother's blood cells (rhesus disease)
·
a build-up
of fluid in the baby (hydrops fetalis)
·
a genetic
problem in the baby
·
Most
babies whose mothers have polyhydramnios will be healthy. Speak to your doctor
or midwife if you're concerned or have any questions
