Lack Of Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy
In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at what happens when there’s a lack of amniotic fluid. That way you can take the right precautions. Amniotic fluid protects your baby. It also provides the living conditions that the baby needs to develop properly. An imbalance in this can lead to complications of the pregnancy and have fatal consequences.
What is Oligohydramnios or lack of amniotic fluid?
Oligohydramnios is the condition where there is a lack of amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
This occurs in about 10 percent of pregnancies, usually in the third trimester.
During an ultrasound, an expert divides the uterus into 4 sections. This allows him to calculate whether sufficient liquid is present.
A normal amount of moisture is between 5 to 25 centimeters. With less than 5 cm of amniotic fluid, the practitioner will diagnose oligohydramnios.
It is not uncommon for there to be a lack of amniotic fluid. This usually manifests itself towards the end of the pregnancy.
What causes a lack of amniotic fluid?
The medical world does not agree on what causes a lack of amniotic fluid.
In most cases, however, it has to do with high blood pressure. Other conditions that can cause this include:
- preeclampsia
- diabetes
- a multiple pregnancy
The following factors may also play a role here.
1. Rupture of the amniotic sac
When the amniotic sac ruptures, the fluid will drain through these openings. It is especially important during the last weeks of pregnancy to keep an eye on this.
Notify a doctor if your underwear is suddenly wet. This also applies if you lose fluids during pregnancy.
This complication can cause inflammation in the fetus, so see a doctor as soon as possible.
2. Various diseases
Other causes of a lack of amniotic fluid can be due to diseases that were already present before the pregnancy. Think about:
- diabetes
- high bloodpressure
- lupus
- and so on
Other complications can arise from the use of drugs for these latter syndromes.
It is always advisable to inform your midwife about any conditions or illnesses and any medication use during your pregnancy.
3. Birth defects or disorders of the placenta
A fetus inhales and consumes the amniotic fluid and then excretes it. This ensures the proper development of the baby’s lungs and digestive system.
However, some defects hinder this compensation of the fluid through the urine. This particularly applies to the kidneys.
Another factor that can hinder this is a misconnection with the placenta.
This condition reduces the mother’s nutrient flow. As a result, the child develops less, reducing the amount of urine the child produces.
Risks related to the lack of amniotic fluid
The risks associated with the lack of amniotic fluid depend on the stage at which it occurs.
A sufficient amount of fluid prevents the compression of the umbilical cord. This is a condition that reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
When this happens, the following complications may arise:
- Birth defects
- Miscarriage
- Stillborn baby
- Complications during childbirth because the baby poops in the amniotic fluid
- Poor Lung Development
- Reduced growth of the uterus
Once a medical specialist has established the diagnosis of oligohydramnios, the mother must undergo various tests.
This means that it is then examined whether the baby is experiencing normal development.
When the mother is in the last weeks of her pregnancy, the doctor will most likely induce labor and keep an eye on the baby at all times.
What are the symptoms of oligohydramnios
Now that you know what a lack of amniotic fluid means, it’s important to be aware of the following symptoms:
- Lack of movement of the fetus.
- Loss of fluid from the vagina.
- Reduced growth of the uterus.
During a visit to your midwife, he or she will determine whether there is impaired fetal growth.
When there is a suspicion of a lack of amniotic fluid, take bed rest to avoid complications.
The doctors also recommend drinking plenty of water.
Other treatments include medications that can stimulate fluid production.
In conclusion, we can say that a lack of amniotic fluid should be taken seriously. Therefore, always be alert to possible changes.
Regular visits to your midwife will give you peace of mind that your baby is developing healthy and strong.
