The doctor may suspect oligohydramnios if the baby appears smaller for the stage of pregnancy. The doctor may suspect the low growth when she finds your uterus height is not as much as expected for that stage of pregnancy.
Low amniotic fluid levels may be seen in
The most common causes are when:
- If the amniotic sac has torn and has begun to leak.
- There is a problem with the baby’s heart or kidneys or it has a chromosomal abnormality. This is usually picked up in the second trimester scan
- There is a problem with the placenta and because of which the baby is not being provided with adequate blood and nutrition. Problems like high blood pressure during pregnancy or diabetes
- medication that the mother is taking which may be affecting the level of amniotic fluid
- one twin is not growing as well as he should
- Sometimes , if it is especially summer time, low amniotic fluid may be because of dehydration.
The complications associated with oligohydramnios –
The complications can depend on the stage of pregnancy and how much low is the amniotic fluid level.
Low levels of amniotic fluid during the first trimester and early part of the second trimester are rare, and if present can lead to miscarriage.
If amniotic fluid is low in the second half of pregnancy, the main concern is that it can restrict baby's lungs from growing. Baby's heart rate is monitored regularly and ultrasound scans are done regularly to closely monitor baby's development until your delivery.
If the amniotic fluid begins to leak then antibiotics may be given to prevent infection affecting your baby. low amniotic fluid can lead to more breech presentations as there may not be enough space for head down position.There is increased the chance of premature labor. Even during labor the baby may get distressed and sometimes pass stools or meconium into the amniotic fluid. Care should be taken as if he inhales meconium when inside the uterus it can lead to breathing problems after birth.
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