Excessive Amniotic Fluid Can Be Detrimental To Pregnancy
Too much amniotic fluid simply means that too much fluid around the fetus accumulates in the uterine fluid bag. Amniotic fluid, or amniotic fluid, is a fluid that protects the fetus from external threats, supports the development of the baby’s lungs and digestive system, and helps the baby move through the mother’s stomach. Amniotic fluid contains important fetal protective substances such as proteins as well as fatty and amino acids.
Thus, amniotic fluid is a vital element for fetal development and health, but too much of it can cause problems for both mother and baby.
Why is too much amniotic fluid?
Excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid can be caused by many factors, but in all cases the cause of the condition cannot be determined. Studies show that the following factors, among others, expose you to higher amounts of amniotic fluid:
- Multiple pregnancies (one fetus may have more amniotic fluid than others)
- Gestational diabetes
- Fetal structural disorders where this is not allowed to swallow water
- Large fetus
- Fetal neurological problems (eg hydrocephalus)
- Fetal slow heart rate
- Incompatible maternal and fetal blood type
Symptoms caused by too much amniotic fluid
Abundant amniotic fluid, especially mild, usually does not cause symptoms for the expectant mother. In severe cases, a woman may suffer from the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties
- Abdominal pain
- Inflammation of the abdominal cover or lower extremities
- Uterine contraction
- Vomiting
- More shiny or tighter abdomen than normal
What harm can a woman or fetus do with plenty of amniotic fluid?
The best way to determine the amount of amniotic fluid is to have an ultrasound scan done by a professional. This gives a rough idea of the amount of amniotic fluid.
Usually, an abundant amount of amniotic fluid does not cause problems for the mother or fetus, and the child is completely healthy at birth. However, sometimes too much amniotic fluid causes complications:
- Excessive postpartum bleeding, which is a very serious problem.
- Fetal death. Too much amniotic fluid can cause fetal death after the 20th week of pregnancy.
- Premature birth. This is the case when the baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy.
- Detachment of the placenta. This phenomenon is a serious problem because the fetus then no longer receives oxygen and nutrients.
- Poor fetal posture. Usually the fetus is in the womb head down, head towards the mother’s spine. Excessive amniotic fluid can turn a child into a bad position, which may require cesarean section.
What can be done if there is too much amniotic fluid?
If there is a slight excess of amniotic fluid, there is no need for any treatment. However, if your doctor finds that the condition is serious, it is important to take action quickly. The most effective treatments are manual reduction of amniotic fluid, medication, and initiation of labor if the calculated time is near.
Pregnancy without complications
In some cases, excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid is impossible to prevent. Amniotic fluid accumulates without prior notice, whether the cause is anomaly, heredity, or some unknown cause.
It is important for the expectant mother to take care of herself at each stage of pregnancy to reduce the risk of excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid. This protects the health of both the fetus and the mother in general. Healthy lifestyles, nicotine and alcohol abandonment, and a balanced diet are all factors that support a healthy pregnancy.
