Polyhydramnios is a pregnancy condition where there’s an excess of amniotic fluid around the
baby, occurring in 1% to 2% of pregnancies, usually in the later stages. Most cases are mild and
cause few issues, but some can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and potential risks for both
mother and baby.
Symptoms of Polyhydramnios
In mild cases of polyhydramnios, there may be few or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur,
they result from increased pressure in the uterus. These symptoms can include:
● Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing due to the uterus pressing on the diaphragm.
● Swelling: Fluid buildup may cause swelling in the feet and ankles.
● Abdominal discomfort: The belly can feel tight, heavy, or painful.
● Contractions: Some women may experience uterine contractions, which can indicate
premature labor.
Doctors might detect polyhydramnios if the uterus is larger than expected for the pregnancy
stage and may use ultrasound to assess fluid levels.
1.What Causes Polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios can have various causes, though the exact reason is sometimes unclear.
Known causes include:
● Baby’s development issues: Problems with the digestive system, brain, or other
organs may disrupt normal swallowing and fluid control.
● Genetic conditions: Certain genetic disorders can lead to higher fluid levels.
● Maternal diabetes: Conditions like gestational diabetes can increase amniotic fluid.
● Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: In identical twins, uneven blood flow can create
excess fluid around one twin.
● Fetal anemia: Low red blood cell levels in the baby can cause fluid buildup.
● Maternal immune response: The mother’s immune system may attack the baby’s
blood cells, affecting fluid levels.
● Infections: Some infections during pregnancy can also raise the risk of polyhydramnios.
In many mild cases, the cause may not be identifiable.
2.What Complications Can Polyhydramnios Bring?
While mild polyhydramnios often resolves without major issues, severe cases can lead to
complications, including:
● Premature birth: Increased pressure may trigger early labor before 37 weeks.
● Breech position: Extra fluid can prevent the baby from settling head-down, resulting in
a breech birth.
● Premature rupture of membranes: Excess fluid can cause the water to break earlier
than expected.
● Umbilical cord prolapse: The cord may slip into the birth canal before the baby, risking
oxygen supply
● Placental abruption: The placenta might detach from the uterus, posing risks to both
mother and baby.
● Cesarean delivery: A C-section may be necessary due to complications like breech
position or cord prolapse.
● Stillbirth: There is a rare but increased risk of stillbirth.
● Postpartum bleeding: The uterus may struggle to contract properly after delivery,
leading to heavy bleeding.
