Is low amniotic fluid a boy?

Amniotic fluid is a substance that wraps the fetus in a woman's abdomen during pregnancy. It is very important for both the fetus and the pregnant woman. It can provide a living space for the baby's growth and development, or protect it from external trauma. There is a saying among the people that the amount of amniotic fluid can determine whether the fetus is a boy or a girl, and less amniotic fluid means it is a boy. Is this true?

Amniotic fluid is the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. It is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining fetal life. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. During the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo; afterwards, 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. Any of these factors may lead to low amniotic fluid, such as placental abruption, fetal malformation, etc. Therefore, there is no scientific basis to judge whether the fetus is a boy or a girl based solely on low amniotic fluid. Instead, expectant mothers should pay attention to replenishing amniotic fluid under the guidance of a doctor. Because low amniotic fluid has many adverse effects on the fetus, such as causing fetal malformations, fetal distress during delivery, and increased perinatal mortality.

What are the causes of low amniotic fluid?

1. Rupture of amniotic membrane

If there is a small tear in the amniotic membrane at any stage during pregnancy, the amniotic fluid will leak out, so the amount of amniotic fluid will become less. This is usually caused by amniocentesis, but small tears will usually heal on their own. However, if the expectant mother notices that her underwear is wet, it may be that amniotic fluid has leaked, and she should go to the hospital for examination in time.

2. Placenta problems

If there is a problem with the placenta, such as partial abruption, the placenta cannot supply enough blood and nutrients to the baby, resulting in the interruption of amniotic fluid circulation in the fetus.

3. Diseases during pregnancy

During pregnancy, certain diseases in pregnant women may also lead to low amniotic fluid, such as chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes and lupus.

4. Pregnant with twins or multiple births

If you are pregnant with twins or more, you may also have oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios may also occur in cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome, where one baby has too little amniotic fluid and the other has too much.

5. Fetal malformation

If you are diagnosed with oligohydramnios in early or mid-pregnancy, it may mean that your baby will have birth defects. If your baby has no kidneys, has abnormal kidney development (called Potter syndrome), or has a blocked urethra, he or she may not produce enough urine to maintain the amount of amniotic fluid. Congenital heart defects can also cause this problem.