Pronounced: oh-lig-oh-HI-dram-knee-ohs
Oligohydramnios is too little fluid in the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is the “water bag” inside the womb that cushions and protects your baby and allows normal growth and development. Normal amniotic fluid levels vary and the average volume during the pregnancy is almost one liter at 36-37 weeks. Less than 10% of pregnant women develop oligohydramnios.
Low amniotic fluid can indicate a problem in the mother or the baby. It can also cause problems that vary depending on when oligohydramnios occurs.
Problems in the first half of pregnancy:
Problems in the second half of pregnancy:
There are many known causes of oligohydramnios. However, sometimes a specific cause cannot be found. Conditions that can cause oligohydramnios:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:
If the amniotic sac has a tear, you may notice a gush of fluid from the vagina or that your underwear is wet all the time. Your doctor may notice that your abdomen is smaller than expected for your gestational age. However, oligohydramnios usually does not cause women to have any symptoms.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. If you are not seeing a specialist in obstetrics already, you may be referred to one.
Tests:
Your doctor will monitor you and your baby closely to make sure the condition does not get worse and that the fetus remains healthy. You will probably have more frequent prenatal visits and regular ultrasound tests. It is very important to keep these appointments.
Treatment options include:
RESOURCES:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
American Pregnancy Association
http://www.americanpregnancy.org
March of Dimes
http://www.marchofdimes.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Sick Kids
http://www.sickkids.ca/
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://sogc.medical.org/
References:
Amniotic fluid abnormalities. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professional/681_4536.asp . Accessed August 4, 2005.
Amniotic fluid abnormalities. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/188_1033.asp . Accessed August 3, 2005.
High-risk pregnancy: amniotic fluid problems. Medical Center of South Carolina Children’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.musckids.com/health_library/hrpregnant/amniofp.htm . Accessed August 7, 2005.
Low amniotic fluid levels: oligohydramnios. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/lowamnioticfluidoligohydramnios.htm Accessed August 3, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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