Hydramnios in pregnancy, what it is and how it is treated

Hydramnios in pregnancy

During pregnancy, different types of complications can occur, some with reference to the amniotic fluid. In this case we will see What is hydramnios or polyhydramnios?, as it is also known. It is a disorder characterized by an excess of amniotic fluid that covers the baby. Something that happens very infrequently and is considered a complication of pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid is essential for life, it is necessary for the fetus to develop in the womb. However, when amniotic fluid is abnormally produced in excess or on the contrary, a deficit, can produce negative consequences in pregnancy, both for the mother and for the baby. Here we tell you all about this problem called hydramnios.

Amniotic fluid and its role in pregnancy

Amniotic fluid is a substance made up of different elements. It contains mostly water with a high content of mineral salts, also has proteins and even fetal cells, among others. During pregnancy, amniotic fluid plays a fundamental role. On the one hand, it creates a protective layer that prevents the baby from suffering from shocks, noise, infections and even keeps it at a suitable temperature at all times.

In addition, amniotic fluid provides various nutrients that the baby needs for its development and growth. It even intervenes in the development of the child's respiratory system while it is in the womb. During pregnancy, the amniotic fluid changes in its quantity. In the beginning, usually until the fifth month, the fluid is increasing, being able to reach the liter towards the 30th or 31st week of gestation.

From that moment on, the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease until it reaches approximately 700 ml by the time the delivery arrives. That is the normal amount that should be produced during pregnancy and to check that everything is correct, amniotic fluid levels are closely monitored at each check-up.

What is hydramnios

Hydramnios or polyhydramnios, as it is also known medically, is understood as an excess of amniotic fluid that is produced abnormally. For this disorder to be determined, the fluid must reach about two liters, even, in some cases it exceeds. This occurs towards the end of pregnancy or from the second trimester.

However, it is a complication that occurs in very few cases. In fact, the prevalence is so minimal that hydramnios pregnancies are only recorded in less than 1% of pregnancies. Generally, the cause is that the baby does not eliminate enough amniotic fluid in relation to what it generates. This problem is related in most cases to gestational diabetes, other complication of varying severity.

Hydramnios can also occur as a result of an infection such as toxoplasmosis. Even in some cases the cause is in a problem of absorption of the baby. Caused by a malformation or disorder in the fetus's digestive system, nervous system, chromosomal or heart disease. In any case, although it may be something that complicates the pregnancy, it is a complication with a very low prevalence.

Which means that it only occurs in very rare cases and can be easily detected on ultrasound scans. Thus it is very important to go to all reviews of pregnancy, because only then can it be verified that the development is correct and, if not, act as necessary to avoid more serious complications. The treatment may be different in each case, taking into account the cause or severity.

In many cases, the doctor usually recommends rest, even in others a puncture can be performed to remove amniotic fluid and reduce the amount to minimize damage or to test it for other possible causes. Take care of your pregnancy and go to all the check-ups to make sure that everything is going according to plan.


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