What happens if fluid is low during pregnancy

Low amniotic fluid oligohydramnios is a condition in which the amniotic fluid measures lower than expected for a baby's gestational age. No treatment has been proved effective long term. But short-term improvement of amniotic fluid is possible and might be done in certain circumstances. During pregnancy, amniotic fluid provides a cushion that protects the baby from injury and allows room for growth, movement and development.

Amniotic fluid also keeps the umbilical cord from being compressed between the baby and the uterine wall. In addition, the amount of amniotic fluid reflects the baby's urine output — a measure of a baby's well-being. If you have low amniotic fluid, what happens next will depend on the cause, severity, your baby's gestational age, your health and your baby's health.

If you have low amniotic fluid and you're 36 to 37 weeks pregnant, the safest treatment might be delivery. If you're less than 36 weeks pregnant, your health care provider will review your baby's health, discuss why you might have low amniotic fluid and recommend monitoring your pregnancy with fetal ultrasounds.

He or she also might recommend drinking more fluids — especially if you're dehydrated. If you have low amniotic fluid during labor, your health care provider might consider a procedure in which fluid is placed in the amniotic sac amnioinfusion.

This is typically done during labor if there are fetal heart rate abnormalities. Amnioinfusion is done by introducing saline into the amniotic sac through a catheter placed in the cervix during labor.

Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy is a serious condition. If you have any concerns about the amount of fluid around your baby, talk with your health care provider. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Birth defects — Problems with the development of the kidneys or urinary tract which could cause little urine production, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid. Placental problems — If the placenta is not providing enough blood and nutrients to the baby, then the baby may stop recycling fluid.

Leaking or rupture of membranes —This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle of fluid. This is due to a tear in the membrane. Premature rupture of membranes PROM can also result in low amniotic fluid levels. Post Date Pregnancy — A postdate pregnancy one that goes over 42 weeks can have low levels of amniotic fluid, which could be a result of declining placental function. Maternal Complications — Factors such as maternal dehydration , hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes , and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels.

What are the risks of having low amniotic fluid? If oligohydramnios is detected in the first half of pregnancy, the complications can be more serious and include: Compression of fetal organs resulting in birth defects Increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth If oligohydramnios is detected in the second half of pregnancy, complications can include: Intrauterine Growth Restriction IUGR Preterm birth Labor complications such as cord compression, meconium-stained fluid, and cesarean delivery What treatments are available?

Other treatments that may be used include: Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This added fluid helps with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery and is reported to help lower the chances of cesarean delivery. Injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis. The condition of oligohydramnios is reported to often return within one week of this procedure, but it can aid in helping doctors visualize fetal anatomy and make a diagnosis. Maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids has shown to help increase amniotic fluid levels.

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Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. A silent condition that your practitioner will be able to detect, low amniotic fluid, or oligohydramnios, can usually be controlled.

Back to Top. In This Article. What does it mean when you have low amniotic fluid during pregnancy? More rarely, oligohydramnios can be linked to: Problems with baby's kidneys or urinary tract, since low amniotic fluid levels could signal a baby might not be peeing as much as expected Poor fetal growth Placental abruption the early separation of the placenta, which provides baby with nutrients and oxygen, from the uterine wall during pregnancy Chronic high blood pressure or preexisting diabetes in Mom Certain medications, including those that manage high blood pressure Birth defects, like club foot, in your baby Premature rupture of membranes Who's most at risk and how common is it?

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