Low amniotic fluid
Paola Juarez
Description
The condition of having too little amniotic fluid. About 8% of pregnant women can have low levels of amniotic fluid with about 4% being diagnosed with oligohyramnios.
Symptoms
Birth defects, Placental problems, leaking or rupture of membranes, Post date pregnancy, maternal complications
Risks involved
The risks often depend on gestation of the pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is essential for the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and the digestive system. The baby starts to breathe and swallow the fluid to help everything develop and if there isn't enough fluid the complications can be severe.If oligohydramnios is detected in the first half of pregnancy there is an increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth. If it is detected in the second half the baby can be premature.
Treatment options
Treatments that can be used include amino-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This fluid helps with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery. Another treatment option is injection of fluid prior delivery through amniocentesis.