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Amniotic Fluid

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What is amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid is an important part of pregnancy and fetal development. This watery fluid is inside a casing called the amniotic
membrane (or sac) and fluid surrounds the fetus throughout pregnancy. Normal amounts may vary, but, generally, women
carry about 500 ml of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid helps protect and cushion the fetus and plays an important role in the
development of many of the fetal organs including the lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Fluid is produced by the fetal
lungs and kidneys. It is taken up with fetal swallowing and sent across the placenta to the mother's circulation. Amniotic fluid
problems occur in about 7 percent of pregnancies. Too much or too little amniotic fluid is associated with abnormalities in
development and pregnancy complications. Differences in the amount of fluid may be the cause or the result of the problem.

What causes oligohydramnios?

There are several causes of oligohydramnios. Generally, it is caused by conditions that prevent or reduce amniotic fluid
production. Factors that are associated with oligohydramnios include the following:

 premature rupture of membranes (before labor)


 intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth)
 birth defects, especially kidney and urinary tract malformations

Why is oligohydramnios a concern?

Amniotic fluid is important in the development of fetal organs, especially the lungs. Too little fluid for long periods may cause
abnormal or incomplete development of the lungs called pulmonary hypoplasia. Intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal
growth) is also associated with decreased amounts of amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios may be a complication at delivery,
increasing the risk for compression of the umbilical cord and aspiration of thick meconium (baby's first bowel movement).

What are the symptoms of oligohydramnios?

 decreased amount of amniotic fluid on ultrasound

The symptoms of the oligohydramnios may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for oligohydramnios:

Specific treatment for oligohydramnios will be determined by your physician based on:

 your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history


 extent of the condition
 your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
 expectations for the course of the condition
 your opinion or preference

Treatment for oligohydramnios may include:

 closely monitoring the amount of amniotic fluid and frequent follow-up visits with the physician

 amnioinfusion - instilling a special fluid into the amniotic sac to replace lost or low levels of amniotic fluid.
Amnioinfusion is still experimental, but it may be offered during pregnancy in an attempt to help prevent pulmonary
hypoplasia (underdeveloped lungs), or at delivery to help prevent compression of the umbilical cord.

 delivery (if oligohydramnios endangers the well-being of the fetus, then an early delivery may be necessary)

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