What are the adverse effects of excessive amniotic fluid on the fetus?

Excessive amniotic fluid is actually an abnormal phenomenon and is not good for the fetus. Pregnant women with excessive amniotic fluid are prone to complications of pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can easily cause abnormal fetal position or cause adverse effects such as premature birth of the fetus.

1. Acute polyhydramnios:

It usually occurs between 20 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Due to the sharp increase in amniotic fluid, the uterus quickly enlarges within a few days, similar to the size of a full-term pregnancy or a twin pregnancy. In a short period of time, the uterus is extremely enlarged and the diaphragm rises, causing breathing difficulties, inability to lie flat, and even cyanosis. The pregnant woman has a painful expression, excessive abdominal tension, pain, decreased appetite, and constipation. The enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, affecting venous return, causing edema and varicose veins in the lower limbs and vulva, making it difficult for the pregnant woman to walk and can only lie on her side.

2. Chronic polyhydramnios:

It accounts for about 98% and mostly occurs in 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. The amniotic fluid can gradually increase within a few weeks. It is a slow growth of moderate amount. Most pregnant women can adapt to it. During prenatal examinations, it is often found that the uterus is high and the abdominal circumference is greater than that of pregnant women of the same period. Pregnant women with excessive amniotic fluid have a swollen abdomen greater than that of the gestational month during physical examination. The pregnancy chart shows that the uterine height curve exceeds the normal percentile. The skin of the abdominal wall is shiny and thin. When palpated, the skin feels tense and there is a sense of liquid tremor. The fetal position is unclear. Sometimes the fetal part can be felt to float and sink. The fetal heart is distant or inaudible. Pregnant women with excessive amniotic fluid are prone to complications of pregnancy-induced hypertension, abnormal fetal position, premature birth, and the sudden shrinkage of the uterus after rupture of membranes can cause placental abruption. When the membranes rupture, the umbilical cord can slip out with the amniotic fluid and cause umbilical cord prolapse. After delivery, the enlarged uterus can easily cause uterine atony, leading to postpartum hemorrhage.

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3. Diet therapy for excessive amniotic fluid

In clinical practice, Chinese medicine often uses the classic prescription "Carp Soup" from "Qian Jin Yao Fang" for treatment. The specific usage is: 1 carp, remove the internal organs, add 15g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 6g of dried tangerine peel, 15g of Poria cocos, 12g of Angelica sinensis, 12g of White Peony Root, and 6g of ginger, boil into a thick soup, remove the medicinal materials, drink the soup and eat the fish. Usually, taking 3 to 5 doses will have a significant effect. Because carp meat has the function of nourishing the spleen and stomach, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, while Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, ginger and tangerine peel have the function of strengthening the spleen and regulating qi. Combined with Angelica sinensis and white peony root to nourish blood and stabilize the fetus, it can achieve the dual effect of removing water without harming the fetus. In addition, winter melon peel soup, white lentils, and red beans boiled in water and drunk as tea can also be used to promote diuresis and reduce the amount of amniotic fluid.