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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy. Polyhydramnios — also called hydramnios — is the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid in the uterus during pregnancy. Polyhydramnios occurs in about 1 percent of pregnancies.
Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result from a gradual buildup of amniotic fluid during the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios may cause shortness of breath, preterm labor or other symptoms.
If you're diagnosed with polyhydramnios, your health care provider will carefully monitor your pregnancy to help prevent complications. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Mild polyhydramnios may go away on its own. Severe polyhydramnios may require treatment, such as draining the excess amniotic fluid.
- Beloosesky R, et al. Polyhydramnios. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=725692. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Amniotic fluid abnormalities. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_4536.asp. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Ross MG, et al. National institute of child health and development conference summary: Amniotic fluid biology - basic and clinical aspects. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. 2001;10:2.
- Gabbe SG, et al. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007:1.
- Strehlow SL, et al. Diabetes mellitus & pregnancy. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2385290. Accessed Aug. 20, 2009.
- Routine tests in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp133.cfm. Accessed Aug. 21, 2009.
- Diagnosing birth defects. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp164.cfm. Accessed Aug. 21, 2009.
- Special tests for monitoring fetal health. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp098.cfm. Accessed Aug. 21, 2009.
