Health Encyclopedia

Polyhydramnios

Definition

Polyhydramnios is the presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.

Considerations

Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. There may be too little or too much amniotic fluid due to problems in the fetus.

Polyhydramnios can occur if the fetus does not swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This can happen due to gastrointestinal disorders, brain and nervous system (neurological) problems, or a variety of other causes. Polyhydramnios may also be related to increased fluid production, as is the case with certain fetal lung disorders.

Sometimes, no specific cause for polyhydramnios is found.

Common Causes

Achondroplasia
Anencephaly
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Diaphragmatic hernia
Duodenal atresia
Esophageal atresia
Gastroschisis
Gestational diabetes
Hydrops fetalis
Multiple gestation (for example, twins or triplets)

What to expect at your health care provider's office

This condition is discovered during pregnancy, and evaluated before delivery. If the health care provider finds a fetal abnormality, the baby will be delivered in a hospital with specialists who can provide immediate evaluation and treatment.

Documenting polyhydramnios may include:

History of this pregnancy
History of past pregnancies and health of the children delivered
Other family history
Ultrasound scans of the fetus

Review Date:11/9/2007
Reviewed By:Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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