Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
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 diabetes, including Gestational diabetes (pregnancy-related diabetes). Sometimes, if diabetes is the cause, the baby will be larger than expected for its stage of development.
- A blockage in part of the baby's gut (a condition called gut atresia), which prevents them absorbing the usual amount of amniotic fluid. A gut atresia would often require an operation after the baby's birth (read more about gut atresia in babies ).
- The mother having rhesus disease , where antibodies in the mother's blood cross the placenta, sometimes causing anaemiain the foetus.
- Agrowth of blood vessels on the placenta , called a chorioangioma.
- A build-up of fluid in specific areas of the baby's body, such as the abdomen and chest cavity, called hydrops fetalis.
- A genetic problem with the foetus .
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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