Polyhydramnios – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Polyhydramnios occurs when too much amniotic fluid builds up around the baby during pregnancy. This condition affects about 1-2% of pregnancies and is typically detected in the middle or later pregnancy stages.
Most cases are mild, but severe polyhydramnios may cause breathing difficulties or trigger early labor.
When polyhydramnios is diagnosed, healthcare providers will monitor the pregnancy closely to prevent complications. The management approach depends on severity:
- Mild Cases: May resolve without intervention.
- Severe Cases: Require closer monitoring and possible treatment.
Most women with polyhydramnios can have healthy pregnancies with proper medical care. The condition requires attention but doesn’t necessarily mean serious problems will develop.
Signs and Problems
People with mild polyhydramnios often feel no symptoms at all. However, as amniotic fluid builds up, it can create pressure inside the uterus and affect nearby organs.
Serious cases may cause:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Uterine contractions or feeling of tightness
Healthcare providers might suspect polyhydramnios if your uterus appears larger than expected for your stage of pregnancy. The size difference happens because of the extra fluid surrounding the baby.
These symptoms typically develop gradually as fluid accumulates over time. If you experience any of these issues during pregnancy, contact your doctor for evaluation.
Causes
Many factors can lead to too much amniotic fluid. When a baby has problems with their digestive tract or nervous system, they might not swallow fluid normally. Genetic disorders can also play a role in this condition.
Pregnant people with diabetes face higher risks because high blood sugar affects how the baby processes fluid. In identical twin pregnancies, an imbalance of blood flow between twins (twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome) can cause excess fluid.
Other causes include:
- Fetal anemia (low red blood cells in the baby)
- Immune reactions where parent’s blood cells attack the baby’s blood cells
- Infections during pregnancy
For mild cases, doctors often can’t find a specific reason. About half of all cases have no clear cause, making regular monitoring important for managing the condition.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing polyhydramnios during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is a common risk factor that emerges during pregnancy.
When the developing baby has health issues affecting the digestive system, central nervous system, or other organs, this may also raise the risk of excess amniotic fluid. These conditions can interfere with the baby’s normal fluid regulation.
Complications
Polyhydramnios can lead to several serious complications during pregnancy and delivery. These issues may affect both the mother and baby.
Premature Birth Risks
- Early delivery before full term
- Complications related to underdeveloped organs
- Need for special care after birth
Positioning Problems
The excess fluid can cause the baby to float in positions that aren’t ideal for delivery. Breech positioning (when the baby isn’t head-down) occurs more frequently with polyhydramnios.
Membrane and Cord Issues
Too much amniotic fluid puts extra pressure on the membranes surrounding the baby, which can lead to early rupture. This may result in umbilical cord prolapse, where the cord slips into the birth canal before the baby, creating a dangerous situation.
Delivery Complications
Polyhydramnios increases the chances of needing a cesarean section delivery. The condition can also cause placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall too early.
After Birth Concerns
Mothers with polyhydramnios face higher risks of postpartum hemorrhage (heavy bleeding after delivery) due to the uterus being overstretched and unable to contract properly.
Pregnancy Loss
In severe cases, polyhydramnios is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth (pregnancy loss after 20 weeks).
The severity of these complications generally corresponds to how extreme the polyhydramnios is. Mild cases may have fewer complications, while severe cases require more intensive monitoring and intervention.
