Understanding High Amniotic Fluid Levels

High amniotic fluid levels, or polyhydramnios, is a condition characterized by too much amniotic fluid. Deep pocket measurements or amniotic fluid index are used to check your amniotic fluid levels. A diagnosis may be made if your fluid level is more than 25 centimeters on an AFI, a fluid level of 2,000mL or more, or a greater than eight deep pocket measurement. It is estimated that about one to two percent of pregnant women have polyhydramnios. The majority of these women only have levels that are slightly elevated and their cases are considered mild.

Will I Know if I Have Polyhydramnios?

If your uterus is growing faster than it should, your healthcare provider will likely suspect this issue. You may also experience increased back pain, extreme swelling in your ankles and feet, unusual abdominal discomfort and shortness of breath.

Causes of High Amniotic Fluid

Several factors may result in polyhydramnios. While Rh factor is no longer a common cause, it should still be considered. There is a screening for Rh factor now. Other factors include:

-- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. This is a complication exclusive to pregnancies with identical twins. It is characterized by one twin getting too little blood flow and the other getting too much blood flow as a result of connections between blood vessels in the placenta the twins share.

-- Congenital defects. The risk of a congenital defect increases the higher the amniotic fluid level. Congenital defects are birth defects that hinder swallowing. They can prevent amniotic fluid ingestion resulting in the fluid accumulating. Certain medical problems can make it difficult for a baby to swallow, such as cleft palate or lip, gastrointestinal tract blockage, pyloric stenosis, hydrocephaly or neural tube defects. Other birth defects could also include neurological abnormalities or intestinal tract blockage.

-- Maternal diabetes. Experts have discovered a some link between having too much amniotic fluid and diabetes.

-- Unknown reasons. In about 65 percent of cases, it is not known by polyhydramnios occurs.

What Should I Do if I am Diagnosed?

If you are diagnosed, your doctor will likely want to look for abnormalities by performing a high-resolution ultrasound. In some cases, your doctor may want to look for a genetic defect by performing an amniocentesis.

Throughout your pregnancy, to look for signs of preterm labor and to closely monitor fetal development, you will have regular ultrasounds and nonstress tests. You should also be tested for gestational diabetes.

During labor you will be closely monitored because having excess amniotic fluid increases the risk for placental abruption or umbilical cord prolapse when your water breaks. If you experience either of the two you will have to have an immediate C-section.

Are There Any Risks with Polyhydramnios?

In most cases, women have few, if any, complications because this conditions is mild in most cases. However, if you have higher fluid levels, you may experience: placental abruption, skeletal malformations due to growth restriction, cesarean delivery, membranes rupturing prematurely, preterm labor and delivery, postpartum hemorrhage and stillbirth. Other risks may include poor fetal positioning and there is the chance mom may bleed severely after giving birth.

Are There Any Treatments for Polyhydramnios?

As long as your pregnancy is closely monitored, there is a really good chance you will not experience complications and can be easily treated. Monitoring would include frequent sonograms to measure biophysical profile, growth and fetal assessment. Treatments may include delivering your baby, medication to decrease fluid production and amnioreduction. Medications are about 90 percent effective in decreasing amniotic fluid reduction. Due to possible complications, medications are not generally used after 32 weeks of gestation.

Amnioreduction is a procedure your doctor may perform to drain excess fluid via amniocentesis. After draining there is a chance the fluid could come back and amniocentesis carries its own set of risks.

Related Content

Common Physical Changes Women May Experience During Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms and Complications

Lupus and Pregnancy: Possible Risks and Complications

Resources

March of Dimes: Polyhydramnios

American Pregnancy Association: High Amniotic Fluid Levels