Lack Of Water For Children During Pregnancy
The amniotic fluid protects the fetus from external threats, develops the baby’s lungs and digestive system, and helps the baby move around the womb. Any imbalance in that vital fluid can lead to problems as the pregnancy progresses and have serious consequences. Today we talk about what a lack of amniotic fluid means and what effects it has on pregnancy and the fetus.
Lack of water for children during pregnancy
Amniotic fluid deficiency refers to a condition during pregnancy in which, as the name implies, there is too little or insufficient amount of amniotic fluid. This is a common problem that is found in approximately one in ten pregnancies. The risk of amniotic fluid increases in the last trimester of pregnancy.
In an ultrasound examination, the uterus is divided into four parts to determine the amount of amniotic fluid. The normal amount of fluid is 5-25 cm. If the fetus has less than 5 cm of fluid at its disposal, a diagnosis of amniotic fluid is made.
What causes the lack of amniotic fluid?
Medicine is not quite sure what is causing this phenomenon. However, most cases involve high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, or multiple pregnancies. The following factors may also be relevant:
1. Outbreak of fetal membranes
When the membranes of the baby water bag break, the liquid leaks out. This is especially evident during the last weeks of pregnancy.
If you notice that your panties are wet or that fluid is leaking during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately.
The complication can predispose the baby to inflammation, so it is best to seek expert help immediately.
2. Diseases
Other causes of amniotic fluid scarcity include some diseases before pregnancy. These include, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure and lupus.
Other complications can occur if the mother uses medications to control these pre-existing conditions.
In any case, it is best to tell your obstetrician about the illness and any medications you are taking.
3. Congenital defects or disorders in the placenta
The fetus inhales and consumes amniotic fluid and then secretes it. This ensures good lung development as well as the gut.
Some defects, mainly affecting the kidneys, prevent this fluid replacement through the baby’s urine.
Another factor that inhibits fetal urine production is placental abruption. This condition reduces the passage of nutrients from the mother to the developing baby, which reduces the amount of urine produced by the baby.
Risks of amniotic fluid scarcity
These risks depend on the stage of the pregnancy condition that occurs.
Adequate fluid prevents the umbilical cord from being pinched. This condition prevents oxygen and nutrients from entering the fetus. If it occurs, the consequences can be:
- Congenital defects in the child
- Miscarriage
- Baby death
- Complications of labor, the risk of meconium aspiration is higher than usual
- Hypoplasia or abnormal development of the child’s lungs
- Decreased fetal growth in utero
Once an expert has made a diagnosis of amniotic fluid scarcity, the expectant mother should go through some tests. The purpose of these tests is to determine if the baby is developing normally.
If the mother is in the last weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will probably initiate labor and monitor the baby at all times.
What are the symptoms of amniotic fluid deficiency?
Be careful of the following signs:
- Fetal immobility
- Vaginal discharge
- Slight uterine growth
During your check-ups, your doctor will examine if the growth of the fetus is low.
If amniotic fluid deficiency is suspected, it is important to be at bed rest to avoid complications. Doctors also recommend plenty of fluids.
Other treatments may include medications that stimulate fluid production. Your doctor may also recommend a blood transfusion or injection of fluid using an amniotic fluid.
In summary, it can be said that the scarcity of amniotic fluid can be a very serious condition, so one should be careful about the changes.
See your doctor regularly to make sure your baby is growing healthy .
