What causes low amniotic fluid?

The amount of amniotic fluid during pregnancy is very important. The fetus lives in the amniotic fluid. Providing a normal environment for the fetus will help the fetus develop well. If the amniotic fluid becomes less, the specific reason should be understood. It may be due to a ruptured amniotic membrane, or it may be related to the placenta. In addition, some diseases of the pregnant woman herself may also cause a decrease in amniotic fluid.

What causes low amniotic fluid?

The most common causes of oligohydramnios include ruptured membranes, placental problems, and disease factors. Oligohydramnios is most common during the last stages of pregnancy, especially after the due date. The later the oligohydramnios condition occurs, the less impact the fetus will have.

1. Rupture of the amniotic membrane leads to low amniotic fluid

Even a small tear in the amniotic membrane will allow some amniotic fluid to leak out. This can happen at any stage of your pregnancy. However, it is more common near birth. You may discover leaking fluid yourself if you notice your underwear is wet, or your doctor may discover it during an examination.

Rupture of membranes increases the risk of infection for you and your baby because it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the amniotic cavity. Sometimes, a small tear will heal on its own, and the fluid will stop leaking and return to normal levels. This usually happens if the leak was caused by amniocentesis.

2. Placental problems lead to low amniotic fluid

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. Certain diseases lead to low amniotic fluid

Certain diseases can also cause low amniotic fluid, such as chronic high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, and lupus.

4. Twins or multiple births cause oligohydramnios

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 leads to oligohydramnios

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.