What is the effect of excess amniotic fluid on the baby in late pregnancy

There are several sources of amniotic fluid. One is the dialysate produced by the mother's blood through the amniotic membrane, the other is the baby's urine, and a small part can also come from the baby's skin, lungs, fetal umbilical cord and even extravasation of the embryo's surface. The amniotic fluid of pregnant women is in continuous circulation. For example, the baby can swallow the amniotic fluid and then produce new amniotic fluid through urination. So does excessive amniotic fluid have any impact on the fetus? Let’s follow Dr. Huang from Xiya Creation to take a look.

Polyhydramnios means that the amniotic fluid flow exceeds 2000ML at any stage of pregnancy. The size and weight of the abdomen cannot determine the amount of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman. We have found that B-ultrasound can estimate the amniotic fluid flow relatively accurately (not absolutely accurately). Pregnant mothers should pay attention to our ultrasound reports. There is an item called the amniotic fluid index (AFI), which is an indicator of the amniotic fluid flow. If the index value reaches 18cm, it is considered that the amniotic fluid is too much; if it is less than 8cm, it is considered that the amniotic fluid is too little; if it is less than 5cm, it is considered that there is too little amniotic fluid.

Does the excess amniotic fluid in pregnant women have anything to do with the physical and mental health of the baby?

Excessive amniotic fluid can cause excessive expansion of the fetus, increasing obstetric complications such as maternal respiratory distress, premature birth, placental abruption, abnormal fetal presenting part, umbilical cord prolapse, postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, gestational hypertension and urinary tract infection.

Excessive amniotic fluid not only increases the risk of caesarean section and macrosomia, but also increases the risk of fetal malformations, genetic diseases, autonomic nervous system abnormalities, and language delay after birth.

Causes of polyhydramnios:

1. Malformed fetus

Among pregnant women with polyhydramnios, about 18% to 40% have fetal malformations, among which central nervous system and upper gastrointestinal tract malformations are the most common. In babies with anencephaly, cerebral herniation and spina bifida, the meninges are exposed, the choroidal tissue proliferates, and the transudate increases, resulting in polyhydramnios.

2. Multiple pregnancy.

3. Various diseases of pregnant women and fetuses such as diabetes, ABO or Rh blood type incompatibility, severe fetal hydrops, pregnancy-induced hypertension, acute hepatitis, and severe anemia in pregnant women.

4. Embryonic and fetal umbilical cord diseases: embryonic villous hemangioma, fetal umbilical cord velamentous adhesion, etc.

What should I do if I have too much amniotic fluid?

The key to the treatment of polyhydramnios is whether the fetus is deformed and the severity of the maternal disease.

1. Excessive amniotic fluid and deformed fetus - the solution is to terminate the pregnancy immediately.

2. Polyhydramnios combined with normal fetus - the treatment method should be determined according to the degree of polyhydramnios and gestational age.

(1) If the symptoms are severe and the pregnant woman cannot bear it (pregnancy is less than 37 weeks), she should undergo puncture and drainage, and consider using sedatives to prevent premature birth. Carefully observe the frequent uterine contractions, which can be repeated after 3 to 4 weeks to reduce the pressure in the uterine cavity.

(2) Prostaglandin degrader - Indomethacin treatment: Indomethacin has the effect of inhibiting urination. Indomethacin is used to inhibit fetal urination and treat polyhydramnios.

(3) If the symptoms are mild, you can get pregnant again. Drink plenty of water, get enough rest, eat a low-fat diet, consider using sedatives as appropriate, and closely observe changes in amniotic fluid flow.