Definition of Oligohydramnios

Everyone is unfamiliar with amniotic fluid. It is very important for the baby's growth and pregnant women. During pregnancy, there is amniotic fluid in the stomach to prevent adhesion and cause deformities in the baby. For the fetus, amniotic fluid is indispensable. If the amniotic fluid is too little or too much, it is not conducive to the baby's growth. If there is too little amniotic fluid, it must be treated in time to avoid affecting the baby's health.

Definition of Oligohydramnios

Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy process, it is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining fetal life. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. In the early stages of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo; later, as the embryo's organs begin to mature and develop, other sources of amniotic fluid, such as the fetal urine, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, umbilical cord, placental surface, etc., also become sources of amniotic fluid.

Oligohydramnios refers to the amount of amniotic fluid less than 300ml in late pregnancy. Too little amniotic fluid can seriously affect the effect of perinatal treatment (perinatal refers to the fetus or newborn during the period before, during and after delivery of the pregnant woman, usually from the 28th week of pregnancy to 7 days after delivery. The incidence of oligohydramnios is 0.4%-4%. If the amount of amniotic fluid is less than 50ml, the perinatal mortality rate is as high as 88%.

Causes of low amniotic fluid

Maternal causes

1. Insufficient water intake: If the pregnant mother does not like to drink water and drinks too little water every day, she may have too little amniotic fluid in the long run.

2. Hypovolemia: It is a common symptom during pregnancy. Once it occurs, it will affect the formation of amniotic fluid and cause the fetus to be affected.

3. Influence of drugs: If the pregnant mother takes drugs frequently, and the drugs affect the body, more amniotic fluid cannot be formed.

4. Gestational hypertension: Pregnant mothers suffering from this disease should pay more attention, because one of its symptoms is too little amniotic fluid.

Fetal causes

1. Decreased secretory function of fetal membranes: This situation often occurs in the late pregnancy and is a phenomenon of aging of the fetal membranes of an overmature fetus.

2. Developmental defects of fetal membranes: This is relatively rare, but some fetuses may have this condition, usually in early pregnancy.

3. Fetal malformations: Congenital urethral absence or kidney absence can also lead to reduced fetal urination, thereby affecting the amount of amniotic fluid.

What to do if there is too little amniotic fluid?

1. To avoid serious symptoms caused by too little amniotic fluid, measures should be taken immediately to increase amniotic fluid and improve the body.

2. If it is caused by overdue pregnancy and overmature fetus, induced labor should be performed as soon as possible to prevent the danger caused by reduced fetal membrane function.

3. After delivery, medication can be given according to the situation to relieve uterine pain. If uterine contractions are weak and cervical dilation is slow, oxytocin should be given by intravenous drip to shorten the delivery process.

4. When fetal distress occurs, give oxygen inhalation to temporarily relieve the condition. Otherwise, fetal death may easily occur.

5. If fetal malformation cannot be ruled out, it is necessary to consider a caesarean section to ensure that the fetus can be born smoothly.

6. After the fetus is born, care should be strengthened. The care methods are similar to those for difficult births. The most important thing is to ensure the healthy development of the fetus.