Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid Levels

Low amniotic fluid, or oligohydramnios, is a condition characterized by the amniotic fluid level surrounding your baby being too low. Your doctor can determine if this condition is present through deep pocket measurements or amniotic fluid index. This condition would be expected if the fluid level is less than five centimeters, fluid volume is less than 500mL or no fluid pocket two to three centimeters in depth at 32 to 36 weeks gestation. Low levels of amniotic fluid can be seen in about eight percent of pregnant women with approximately four percent being diagnosed with oligohydramnios. This condition is most common during the third trimester, but can occur anytime throughout a pregnancy. If a pregnancy goes longer than 41 weeks, there is about a 12 percent chance of oligohydramnios-related complications.

Importance of Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic fluid plays a number of critical roles in fetal development. It protests your baby from trauma by cushioning him or her, especially if you take a fall. It aids in keeping the temperature in the womb at a constant. It ensures that the fetuses' bones and muscles develop properly by allowing the baby to move around. It makes sure the umbilical cord does not become compressed which helps to prevent a reduction in your baby's supply of oxygen. It helps to protect against infection. It helps your baby's respiratory and digestive systems develop as he or she excretes and swallows it and exhales and inhales it from his or her lungs.

What is the Proper Level of Amniotic Fluid?

When you are progressing normally, the amount will gradually increase throughout your pregnancy until you hit the beginning of your third trimester. The amount of amniotic fluid typically peaks at 34 weeks, when you generally have about a quart of it. After this point, the amount gradually reduces until you deliver your baby.

Causes of Low Amniotic Fluid

A number of factors can cause you to experience low amniotic fluid. Birth defects may be responsible. Low levels could stem from little urine production. Little urine production could stem from issues with the development of the urinary tract and kidneys. Other causes could be:

-- Rupture or leaking of membranes. This could be a constant slow trickle or fluid or a gush of fluid. A tear in the membrane would cause this.

-- Maternal complications. Amniotic fluids levels can be affected by things, such as maternal dehydration, preeclampsia, chronic hypoxia, hypertension and diabetes.

-- Placental problems. The baby may stop recycling fluid if the placenta fails to provide sufficient nutrients and blood to the baby.

-- Post-date pregnancy. If a pregnancy goes longer than 42 weeks, this condition can develop. This could result from declining placental function.

Risks of Low Amniotic Fluid

The gestation of the pregnancy will ultimately determine the risks of oligohydramnios. Amniotic fluid plays a critical role in the development of muscles, the digestive system, lungs and limbs. If this condition occurs during the first part of your pregnancy, the complications may be more serious, such as an increased risk of stillbirth of miscarriage or birth defects due to compression of fetal organs. If this conditions occurs during the second part of pregnancy, complications may include preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction or labor complications, such as meconium stained fluid, cord compression and cesarean delivery.

Can Low Amniotic Fluid Levels be Treated?

Treatment is based on gestational age. You will be closely monitored if you are not full term. To monitor baby's activity, your doctor may perform contraction stress tests or non-stress tests. If you are close to being full term, your doctor will likely recommend that you deliver your baby. Other treatments may include injection of fluid via amniocentesis, amnio-infusion via intrauterine catheter and maternal rehydration with IV or oral fluids.

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Resources

March of Dimes: Oligohydramnios

American Pregnancy Association: Low Amniotic Fluid Levels