Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
Introduction
Polyhydramnios is a common complication of pregnancy, where there's an excessive amountof amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn baby (foetus).
An abnormal amount of fluid (whether increased or reduced) might be suspected by your healthcare professional after 30 weeks of pregnancy, during one of your antenatal appointments , and should be monitored and investigated.
The cause of polyhydramnios is often unknown, but sometimes indicates a problem with the baby's development (see What are the causes? , below). However, most women with polyhydramnios give birth to healthy babies.
If you're pregnant and notice your belly is getting large very quickly (acute polyhydramnios), contact your doctor or midwife. It's rare for it to happen suddenly, but it can indicate an abnormality with the foetus and increases your risk of giving birth prematurely .
This page covers:
- How is polyhydramnios diagnosed?
- What are the causes?
- What associated risks should I be aware of?
- How is it investigated and managed?
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 16 Jan 2017
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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