Lack Of Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy

What is oligohydramnios or amniotic fluid deficiency?

Oligohydramnios refers to the condition during pregnancy where there is an insufficient volume of, or lack of, amniotic fluid.

This condition is estimated to occur in 10 percent of pregnancies, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.

In an ultrasound scan, the professional uterus divides into 4 fragments, in order to calculate the amount of fluid. 

A normal amount of fluid is between 5 and 25 centimeters. If the baby has less than 5 cm of fluid, then the professional will make the diagnosis; oligohydramnios.

It is very typical to observe pregnancies where there is a lack of amniotic fluid. Generally, this condition increases towards the latter part of pregnancy. 

What causes amniotic fluid deficiency?

The medical community is not entirely sure what causes amniotic fluid deficiency during pregnancy. 

In most cases, however, it has to do with high blood pressure in the arteries, preeclampsia, diabetes and several pregnancies.

However, the following factors may also play a role:

1. Cracks in the membranes

When one of the membranes in the amniotic sac ruptures, fluid can leak out through the opening. It is especially important and frequent, during the last weeks of pregnancy.

However,  if you notice that your underwear is wet or you notice a loss of fluid during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately. 

This complication can expose your fetus to infection, so it is best to seek medical assistance immediately.

2. Several diseases

Other causes of amniotic fluid deficiency are the presence of certain diseases before pregnancy. This includes  diabetes, high blood pressure in the arteries, lupus, among others. 

Other complications can occur if the mother takes medication to control some of these existing pathologies. 

In any case, it is best to let your obstetrician know about any existing condition, and any prescription medications you are taking during pregnancy.

Congenital defects or disorders of the placenta

A fetus inhales and consumes the amniotic fluid, and then excretes it. This guarantees the development of the baby’s lungs and gastrointestinal system.

However,  some defects, mostly kidney defects, complicate  this compensation of fluid through the urine.

Another factor that washable the fetus’ production of urine is the release from the placenta.

This condition  reduces the passing nutrients from the mother to the developing baby,  thereby reducing the amount of urine that the baby produces.

Risks related to the lack of amniotic fluid

Risks, related to lack of amniotic fluid, depend on the stage of pregnancy in which it occurs. 

Adequate amount of amniotic fluid prevents compression of the umbilical cord. A condition that complicates the administration of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

If this occurs, the following circumstances may be the result:

• Birth defects.
• Abortion. 
• Premature death.
• Birth complications,  according to the increased risk of the baby aspirating meconium, or the baby’s first emptying.
• Pulmonary hypoplasia  or an abnormal development of the baby’s lungs.
• Reduced growth in the uterus. 

Once a medical specialist has made the diagnosis; oligohydramnios, the expectant mother will have to go through a series of studies. 

Quite basically, the purpose of these studies will be to determine if the little one is developing adequately.

If the mother is in the last weeks of pregnancy, then the doctor will probably initiate the birth, and monitor the baby all the time.

What are the symptoms of oligohydramnios?

Now that you know the consequences of a lack of amniotic fluid,  it is important to be aware of the following symptoms: 

• Lack of fetal movements. 
• Loss of fluid  through the vagina.
• Reduced growth of the uterus. 

Through regular visits, your obstetrician / gynecologist will determine if there is low fetal growth.

If it is suspected that there is a lack of amniotic fluid, then it is important to maintain rest so as to avoid complications. 

Doctors also recommend drinking plenty of fluids. 

Other treatments may include medications that stimulate fluid production. Doctors may also recommend transfusion or injection of fluid through an amniocentesis.

In conclusion, amniotic fluid deficiency can be very serious, so it is important to be aware of any change.

See your doctor regularly. It will help you ensure that your baby grows healthy and strong.