Excess amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus during pregnancy. It occurs in about 1 in 250 pregnancies and often has no known cause. The condition sometimes occurs if the fetus has a malformation that makes normal swallowing impossible, or if the pregnant woman has diabetes mellitus. The excess amniotic fluid usually accumulates in the 2nd half of pregnancy, producing symptoms from about week 32. The main symptom is abdominal discomfort. Other possible symptoms are breathlessness and swelling of the legs. The uterus is larger than would usually be expected. Occasionally, fluid accumulates rapidly, causing abdominal pain, breathlessness, nausea, and vomiting, and leg swelling. Premature labour may result.
The condition is usually evident from a physical examination, but ultrasound scanning may be needed.
In mild cases, only rest is needed.
In more severe cases, amniotic fluid may be withdrawn using a needle.
In late pregnancy, induction of labour may be performed.
(hydramnios) n. an increase in the amount of *amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, which occurs usually in the third *trimester and may be associated with maternal diabetes, multiple pregnancy, any fetal anomaly causing impaired swallowing, or placental abnormality.
A rare birth defect in which the oesophagus forms into 2 separate, blind-ended sections during development. There is usually an abnormal channel (tracheoesophageal fistula) between one of the sections and the trachea. The condition may be suspected before birth if the mother had polyhydramnios. The infant cannot swallow, and drools and regurgitates milk continually. If there is an upper tracheoesophageal fistula, milk may be sucked into the lungs, provoking attacks of coughing and cyanosis. Immediate surgery is needed to join the blind ends of the oesophagus and close the fistula. If the operation is successful, the baby should develop normally. Some babies, however, do not survive.... oesophageal atresia
Pre-existing diabetes mellitus in a woman who becomes pregnant. Pregnancy has profound effects on diabetic control and insulin requirements, which are almost doubled, and hypoglycaemia is more common. There is an increased risk of many complications, including fetal *macrosomia and *shoulder dystocia, and pre-eclampsia is twice as common in diabetic pregnancies. *Polyhydramnios and preterm labour are also more common. Even in well-controlled cases, delivery is normally indicated approximately two weeks before the estimated date due to the size of the baby and falling insulin requirements with late gestation, which can affect the uteroplacental flow.... pregestational diabetes
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