Sign of polyhydramnios | I'm healthy

Health information reviewed and edited by dr. William

Amniotic fluid is one of the most important things in pregnancy. Amniotic fluid plays a role in the growth and development of the fetus in the womb. So, if there is a problem with the amniotic fluid, it will interfere with the health of the fetus, Mums. The problems in question include polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios.

Amniotic fluid is a fluid that surrounds and protects the fetus in the womb. Amniotic fluid plays a role in the formation of lungs in the fetus and protects it from infection. Not only that, amniotic fluid also functions to maintain a stable temperature in the womb.

The volume of amniotic fluid in the uterus will increase and have the highest volume at 34 to 36 weeks of gestation with an average volume of 800 ml. Furthermore, the amniotic fluid will slowly decrease as the time of delivery approaches. At 40 weeks of gestation, the average volume of amniotic fluid is 600 ml.

Unfortunately, there are cases where there is a buildup of excess amniotic fluid, also known as polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios occurs in about 1 percent of pregnancies. But you don't need to worry, most polyhydramnios are mild cases and are caused by a gradual increase in amniotic fluid in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Also read: Fetal Development Each Semester

Symptoms of Polyhydramnion

If you have mild polyhydramnios, symptoms are often not noticeable. However, in severe or severe cases of polyhydramnios, there are some symptoms that arise due to pressure on the uterus and nearby organs. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing, such as shortness of breath or shortness of breath


• The size of the stomach becomes larger and there is discomfort in the stomach


• Decreased urine production


• Having swelling in the legs and wrists

Causes of Polyhydramnion

In many cases of polyhydramnios, the exact cause is not known, especially in mild polyhydramnios. However, there are several conditions that can trigger the accumulation of amniotic fluid.

• Fetal health problems: some abnormalities can make it difficult for the fetus to swallow and absorb amniotic fluid at the proper volume. These disorders include problems with the digestive tract, central nervous system, birth defects, or pyloric stenosis.


• If you suffer from certain diseases, such as diabetes, gestational diabetes, rubella, syphilis, or toxoplasmosis.


• Blood incompatibility between Mums and babies: in some cases the different rhesus between mothers and fetuses can cause fluid accumulation in one part of the fetus' body.


• Experiencing twins, especially identical twins: twin pregnancies are at risk of experiencing twin to twin transfusion syndrome where one baby will receive a lot of amniotic fluid while the other only a little.


• Pregnant women taking illegal drugs.

The earlier you experience polyhydramnios or the more accumulation of amniotic fluid, the higher the complications that can arise. Mums are at risk for urinary tract infections and severe bleeding after delivery, and are at risk of giving birth by Caesarean method.

Not only that, the baby is also at risk of being born prematurely or the baby is in a breech position. There is also the possibility that the membranes will rupture prematurely. What's worse is that there is a possibility that the baby will be born dead or stillbirth.

Also read: Functions of amniotic fluid for babies

Treatment of Polyhydramnios by a Doctor

Polyhydramnios is usually discovered when you have a routine checkup. If the obstetrician suspects Mums has this, the doctor will recommend further examination. The treatment given to mothers who have polyhydramnios depends on how severe the condition is and what causes it.

Mild polyhydramnios can go away on its own, but in severe cases it will require some treatment. Mums will usually be advised to get plenty of rest and will be under the close supervision of a doctor. In general, the treatment provided is:

• Giving prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (especially indomethacin) which is useful for reducing urine production and blood flow in the fetal kidneys.


• Expulsion of amniotic fluid with ultrasound guidance. Usually this process is done more than once.


• If Polyhydramnios threatens the safety of the fetus or Mums, an induction process or Caesarean method can be carried out.


• If polyhydramnios is caused by diabetes, then you must control blood sugar levels which can be done by giving insulin and maintaining a healthy diet.

If you have a risky pregnancy, don't be lazy to check your womb regularly, OK? Then, if your doctor diagnoses that you have polyhydramnios, discuss with your obstetrician what needs to be done to keep you and your baby healthy and safe, and to reduce complications.

Also read: Doppler, the Most Accurate Fetal Heart Rate Check Tool

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7da-6Zw-CV8[/embed]

Source:

Mayo Clinic. Polyhydramnios. 2020.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Polyhydramnios. 2017.

.

Source link