We all understand the crucial role of amniotic fluid, which envelops the womb to safeguard the baby. But what if the fluid levels are too high? This condition, known as Polyhydramnios, involves an excessive secretion of amniotic fluid in the uterus during pregnancy. In its mildest form, it doesn’t pose any problems or symptoms. However, severe cases may necessitate treatment.
This condition is typically identified after the middle stages of pregnancy. Severe cases can lead to preterm labor, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Yet, with early detection and proper management, the risks can be minimized. Mild cases often resolve on their own, but severe ones require close attention. To help you understand this condition better, check out this post for more information!
An Overview of Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios is a medical condition found in pregnant mothers in the middle term during pregnancy. The condition arises when there is a sudden spike in the amniotic fluids around the womb in the uterus.
Ideally, the amniotic fluid plays a significant role in the development and growth of the fetus. Doctors identify this condition in the second half of the pregnancy stage. This is a rare condition that affects 1% of pregnant women. They are diagnosed using the following methods:
- Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) or Maximum vertical pocket (MPV): This measures the deepest fluid pocket of the baby inside the womb. If the value shown is more than 8 cm, it is proved that the womb has polyhydramnios.
- Amniotic fluid index (AFI):This measures the deepest fluid pocket in four areas of the womb where if the sum of the four values is over 24 cm, it is proved that the womb has polyhydramnios.
- Blood Tests: These check if some diseases and infections cause polyhydramnios.
- Amniocentesis:This procedure uses a needle to remove the amniotic fluid from the womb. Then, the fluids are checked to provide information about the baby’s health.
- Nonstress Test:The baby’s heart rate is checked through the abdomen.
- Biophysical Profile: Doctors use ultrasound to identify complications and birth defects. They also use it to monitor the baby’s movement and breathing and the volume of amniotic fluid in the womb.
Causes of Polyhydramnios
There is no exact cause diagnosed by the best gynecologist in Mumbai. However, here are a few common ones:
- Affects the baby’s central nervous system, digestive tract, genetic conditions, or specific other organs.
- Causes twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome when twins are found in the womb where one receives higher blood flow than the other.
- Causes fetal anemia due to less blood flow to the womb.
- Clashes of parent blood cell with the child’s blood cell.
- Affects the placenta through which oxygen and food are supplied to the baby.
- Heart rate problems for the baby.
- The fetus becomes infectious.
- The difference in blood types for the mother and baby.
- Create gestational diabetes and high blood glucose levels in the mother.
Symptoms of Polyhydramnios
The first notable sign of Polyhydramnios is a swollen belly that occurs after a few weeks after pregnancy. This is due to the build-up of amniotic fluids, which pressure the uterus and the surrounding organs. For mild conditions, there are low chances of seeing symptoms. On the other hand, for severe conditions, here are a few risky symptoms:
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Contraction, cramping, and tightness (especially in the uterus muscles) in the stomach
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Uterine contractions and discomfort
- Trouble feeling that there is a baby in the womb
- Fetal malposition (the baby moves in the wrong way in the womb)
- Difficulty in finding the fetal heartbeat
- Pressures the lungs, rectum, bladders, and stomach of the mother
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about the rare cases of Polyhydramnios. If you do not wish to be numbered with this complication, it’s best to take steps early to fight it and protect your baby. Book a consultation with Dr Neelima Mantri and start recuperating before it’s too late!