Amniotic fluid is very important to maintain the baby and launch the process of growth and development in the womb. However, a lot of amniotic fluid can also have an impact on the health of the baby and pregnant women. Check out the following explanation to find out more about this condition.
Excess amniotic fluid or polyhydramnios occurs when there is too much fluid surrounding the baby in the womb. This condition can occur in 1-2% of pregnancies. Usually, this condition is caused by poorly controlled maternal diabetes or abnormalities in the baby.
Cause and GSymptoms of excess amniotic fluid
Excess amniotic fluid is usually noticed in the middle to the end of pregnancy because the amniotic fluid increases gradually. Some of the factors that can cause a lot of amniotic fluid volume are:
- Diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Infection during pregnancy
- Twin to twin transfusion syndrome
- Incompatibility of maternal and fetal blood
- Lack of red blood cells in the fetus
- Defects in the fetus that affect the digestive tract or central nervous system
Polyhydramnios Mild ones may not cause symptoms. However, if the accumulation of amniotic fluid a lot, pregnant women can feel some symptoms. Among others are:
- Difficulty breathing because the stomach is so big
- Constipation
- Discomfort when eating
- Swelling in both legs
- Swelling of the genitals
- Decreased urine production, which is characterized by infrequent urination
- Abdominal discomfort or contractions
The risk of excess amniotic fluid
In addition to causing discomfort to pregnant women, excess amniotic fluid can also have an impact on pregnancy and the baby. The following are some of the risks of excess amniotic fluid that pregnant women need to know:
- Baby is in an upside down position or a breech baby position
- Bleeding after delivery
- Umbilical cord prolapse, which is the condition of the umbilical cord coming out before the baby is born.
- Premature rupture of membranes, leading to premature labour.
- Placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery
- Baby dies in the womb
- Amniotic fluid embolism
How to Respond Excess amniotic fluid
Pregnant women, of course, cannot count the amount of amniotic fluid on their own. An ultrasound examination is needed by a doctor to give a clearer picture of the condition of the womb and amniotic fluid.
If through ultrasound, the results of the examination show that the volume of amniotic fluid is large, the doctor may carry out further examinations to assess the condition of the amniotic fluid and the fetus through an amniocentesis procedure.
In addition, blood sugar levels will be checked to confirm the presence or absence of diabetes. Examination of fetal chromosomes may also be done to determine whether there are genetic abnormalities in the fetus that could be the cause polyhydramnios.
For cases of excess amniotic fluid that are classified as mild, generally no treatment is needed other than routine intensive examinations. But if polyhydramnios already causing interference, action can be taken to reduce the amount of amniotic fluid or administer drugs that help reduce the production of amniotic fluid.
The condition of the amniotic fluid can be found early if pregnancy is always checked regularly. The sooner it is found, the more likely it is that this condition is controlled and does not progress to severe.
Therefore, check the pregnant woman's pregnancy regularly to the obstetrician, yes, especially if the pregnant woman has twin pregnancies or certain health conditions such as diabetes.
