What to do if pregnant woman has less water

Amniotic fluid is a very important substance for women during pregnancy. It is usually located in the uterus of the pregnant woman, and the fetus in the pregnant woman's belly also relies on amniotic fluid for protection and nutrition. If there is too little amniotic fluid, it will have a certain impact on the normal development of the fetus. Therefore, when pregnant women face the problem of too little amniotic fluid, they must actively take correct measures to solve this problem!

1. What is amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. 98% of amniotic fluid is water, with small amounts of inorganic salts, organic hormones and shed fetal cells. The amount of amniotic fluid generally increases with the number of weeks of pregnancy. At 20 weeks, the average is 500 ml; at around 28 weeks, it increases to 700 ml; it is the highest at 32 to 36 weeks, about 1,000 to 1,500 ml; and then gradually decreases. Therefore, the clinical normal range is 300 to 2,000 ml.

2. What is the cause of oligohydramnios?

When the amount of amniotic fluid is less than 300 ml in late pregnancy, it is called oligohydramnios. The ultrasound diagnosis standard for oligohydramnios is amniotic fluid index (AFI) <5cm or maximum amniotic fluid pool depth <2cm. Too little amniotic fluid in early or mid-pregnancy often ends in miscarriage. When there is too little amniotic fluid, the amniotic fluid becomes viscous, turbid, and dark green. In the past, it was believed that the incidence of oligohydramnios was about 0.1%. However, in recent years, due to the widespread use of B-type ultrasound, the detection rate of oligohydramnios is 0.5% to 4%, and the incidence has increased. Oligohydramnios seriously affects the prognosis of the perinatal fetus and is therefore taken seriously.

3. What to do if there is too little amniotic fluid

For expectant mothers with too little amniotic fluid, in addition to treating the mother's disease, if the fetus is found to be normal and the pregnant woman has no serious complications, she can increase the amount of amniotic fluid by drinking water quickly under the guidance of a doctor. Pregnant women who are full-term and have not yet given birth and are lacking in amniotic fluid can drink 2000 ml of water within 2 hours. If the requirement is still not met, the above method can be repeated. Drinking water quickly is safe, effective, simple and easy. Because drinking water can promote blood circulation in pregnant women, indirectly the circulation of the uterus and placenta is also increased, thus achieving the purpose of increasing amniotic fluid. You can also use amnioinfusion to directly increase the amount of amniotic fluid. However, if an assessment reveals that the fetus is at risk of infection, or is in poor condition and no longer suitable to live in the uterus, it should be delivered immediately and properly cared for. At present, the diagnosis of oligohydramnios is relatively convenient, and ultrasound examination is sufficient. Once oligohydramnios is found, medical treatment should be sought in time, and measures should be taken according to the doctor's advice to prevent complications that may cause a lot of trouble to pregnant women.