Too much fluid around the baby (polyhydramnios) or too little fluid (oligohydramnios)…

Too much fluid around the baby (polyhydramnios) or too little fluid (oligohydramnios) can cause worry and concern for expectant mums.

Polyhydramnios affects around 2% of pregnancies and is detected on ultrasound usually if your fundal height is measuring large for the gestation. Often the cause isn't clear but it can be due to an abnormality with the baby, maternal diabetes, infection during pregnancy and blood incompatibility between mother and her baby. Sometimes no cause is found.

Complications, although rare, can include: preterm birth, early membrane rupture, cord prolapse and placental abruption.

Oligohydramnios affects around 8% of women and is caused by many factors including preterm rupture of membranes, maternal factors such as preeclampsia and fetal kidney or urinary tract anomolies. Oligohydramnios in the 2nd half if pregnancy can cause growth restriction in babies and preterm birth. If you have oligohydramnios and you are very preterm, your doctor will monitor you often via ultasound and CTG or non stress tests. If you are close to your due date and there are concerns about the baby, you may be offered an induction of labour. . . . . .

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