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Polyhydramnios

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios

Definition    Return to top

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

Considerations    Return to top

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.

Causes    Return to top

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

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:

Update Date: 4/13/2009

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/9/2007).

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