Polyhydramnios
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| ICD-10 | O40. |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 657 |
| DiseasesDB | 10319 |
| MedlinePlus | 003267 |
| eMedicine | radio/566 |
| MeSH | D006831 |
Polyhydramnios (polyhydramnion, hydramnios) is the medical condition of too much amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. It is seen in 0.5 to 2% of pregnancies.
Polyhydramnios is generally due to maternal diabetes (around 20% of cases)and results from hyperglycemia of the fetus which results in fetal polyuria(fetal urine is a major source of amniotic fluid), although it can be caused by fetal abnormalities including anencephaly, esophageal atresia and duodenal atresia. It may accompany chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's syndrome. It is usually due to an inability of the fetus to swallow amniotic fluid.
In a multiple gestation pregnancy, twin-twin transfusion syndrome is usually the cause.
There are a number of risks that are increased in polyhydramnios including cord prolapse, placental abruption and perinatal death. At delivery the baby should be checked for congenital abnormalities.
The opposite to Polyhydramnios is Oligohydramnios. This is a deficiency in amniotic fluid. It is very rare.
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