Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
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 of your antenatal appointments .
In rare cases, when polyhydramnios develops very quickly, the excess fluid may be apparent earlier in pregnancy, or might be noted at the time of the detailed scan at 18-22 weeks.
If increased amniotic fluid is suspected, you may be referred for an ultrasound scan , so that the depth of the amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus can be measured.
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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