A diagnosis of oligohydramnios is made if there is no visible fluid 2-3 cm fluid pocket or AFI indicates fluid levels of less than 5 cm. Sonogram and ultrasound imaging allows amniotic fluid levels to be accurately measured during pregnancy with several different methods including measuring the depth of fluid pockets or through the amniotic fluid index (AFI). If the volume of amniotic fluid drops below minimum levels at any point during the pregnancy the condition is diagnosed as oligohydramnios. However, the volume of amniotic fluid should stay above certain minimum levels throughout the pregnancy. Levels of amniotic fluid vary somewhat depending on the mother, fetal weight, and stage of gestation. By around week 20 amniotic fluid is less water and more fetal urine. Once swallowed the amniotic fluid is 'digested' by the baby's developing gastrointestinal system and the byproducts are regularly eliminated in fetal urine. The baby begins to inhale and swallow the amniotic fluid and which helps develop the lungs and digestive system. It also enables the baby to move around inside the womb which is important to early muscle and nerve development.Īs the pregnancy progresses the amniotic fluid takes on a different composition and serves additional functions. It fills the womb and surrounds the baby during pregnancy serving as a cushion and insulation. In the early stages of pregnancy amniotic fluid is composed primarily of water. About OligohydramniosĪmniotic fluid is a critical component of pregnancy and fetal development.

Amniotic fluid plays part in gestation and oligohydramnios can lead to major problems and complications that can result in birth defects and even miscarriages.

If you have any concerns about the amount of fluid around your baby, talk with your health care provider.Oligohydramnios is the medical term for a condition occurring in some pregnancies in which the amount of amniotic fluid in the womb is too low. It's typically done during labor if the health care team detects problems with the baby's heart rate. If you have low amniotic fluid during labor, your health care provider might consider a procedure in which saline is put into your uterus via a catheter placed through the cervix. In some cases, it might be necessary to be admitted to the hospital to receive fluids through an IV. Your provider might recommend drinking more fluids - especially if you're dehydrated. If you're less than 36 weeks pregnant, your health care provider typically will review your baby's health, discuss why you might have low amniotic fluid and recommend monitoring your pregnancy with fetal ultrasounds. If you have low amniotic fluid and you're 36 to 37 weeks pregnant, the safest option might be delivering the baby. Certain health conditions in the baby, such as restricted growth or a genetic disorder.Use of some medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.Certain health conditions, such as chronic high blood pressure or diabetes.The placenta peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born (placental abruption).Your baby's gestational age, your health and your baby's health will be taken into consideration too.įactors that can contribute to low amniotic fluid include: If you are diagnosed with low amniotic fluid, what happens next will depend on what's causing the fluid to be low and how severe it is. In addition, the amount of amniotic fluid reflects the baby's urine output - a measure of a baby's well-being. Amniotic fluid also keeps the umbilical cord from being squeezed between the baby and the wall of the uterus. This fluid provides a cushion that protects the baby from injury and allows room for growth, movement and development.

Amniotic fluid is the clear liquid that surrounds your baby in the uterus during pregnancy.

Causes of low amniotic fluid