Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
What associated risks should I be aware of?
Havingpolyhydramnios means there's a slightly higher risk of your unborn babyhaving abirth defect, especially if the fluid build-up is severe. You should discuss with your healthcare professionals any other problems that the extra fluid could be linked to.
However, don't panic the vast majority of women with polyhydramnios give birth to healthy babies.
Your labour may be affected in the following ways:
- You may go into premature labour because of the additional pressure stretching the womb.
- Your baby may be in the wrong position and you may need a caesarean section .
- If your baby is in the wrong position, the umbilical cord may slip down into the birth canal when the membranes rupture (read more about a prolapsed umbilical cord ).
- You may have an increased risk of bleeding after delivery.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Polyhydramnios is a common complication of pregnancy, where there's an excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn baby (foetus).
How is polyhydramnios diagnosed?
In most women with polyhydramnios, the excess fluid builds up slowly. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, this excess fluid should be noticeable and picked up by your GP, midwife or obstetrician during one o
How is polyhydramnios diagnosed?
In most women with polyhydramnios, the excess fluid builds up slowly. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, this excess fluid should be noticeable and picked up by your GP, midwife or obstetrician during one o
What are the causes?
Often, no cause can be found for polyhydramnios. However, it can be associated with any of the following: The mother carrying twins (read about giving birth to twins ). The mother having diabete
What are the causes?
Often, no cause can be found for polyhydramnios. However, it can be associated with any of the following: The mother carrying twins (read about giving birth to twins ). The mother having diabete
What associated risks should I be aware of?
Havingpolyhydramnios means there's a slightly higher risk of your unborn babyhaving abirth defect, especially if the fluid build-up is severe. You should discuss with your healthcare professionals any
What associated risks should I be aware of?
Havingpolyhydramnios means there's a slightly higher risk of your unborn babyhaving abirth defect, especially if the fluid build-up is severe. You should discuss with your healthcare professionals any
How is it investigated and managed?
Most women with polyhydramnios need an ultrasound investigation and a glucose tolerance test, to try to identify a cause and check for Gestational diabetes . If your condition isn't severe, this can
How is it investigated and managed?
Most women with polyhydramnios need an ultrasound investigation and a glucose tolerance test, to try to identify a cause and check for Gestational diabetes . If your condition isn't severe, this can
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