The specific cause of polyhydramnios generally cannot be determined, although studies have found a link between diabetes and excess amniotic fluid, then for those of you who get multiple pregnancies (especially when one of the twins has too little amniotic fluid and the other produces too much) due to fetal abnormalities that make it difficult for the baby to swallow and process fluids than usual (for example, cleft lip or palate disorders, gastrointestinal obstruction, hydrocephalus or other neurological problems even those with heart defects), there are also those caused by the presence of Rh blood that is not suitable so that your baby has anemia.
Many polyhydramnios events go away on their own without causing pregnancy complications. However, some pregnant women who experience it can experience stomach discomfort and breathing problems from fluid buildup that puts pressure on the lungs and other internal organs. The most serious potential risks generated by polyhydramnios are the possibility of premature rupture of the amniotic sac, early labor and placenta abruption (the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery) or umbilical cord accidents. The presence of additional amniotic fluid also increases the chance of postpartum bleeding. With careful monitoring, many polyhydramnios cases are easy to treat and there is no serious threat to either the baby or the mother. Here are the treatment steps you can take:
1. Ultrasound
If pregnant women are diagnosed with polyhydramnios, they will be examined by high-resolution ultrasound, to ensure that the baby is growing at a normal rate. Further ultrasounds are performed regularly during pregnancy to ensure that excess amniotic fluid does not have an adverse effect on baby development.
2. Amniocentesis
A pregnant woman with polyhydramnios will also be closely watched for signs of preterm labor. If the doctor feels that the presence of too much fluid may be problematic, some of it can be removed safely through a process called amnioreduction, which is done through amniocentesis. However, amniocentesis alone can sometimes cause problems, and it’s possible for polyhydramnios to recur even after the fluid has been drained out.
3. Medicine
Medication can also be given to reduce the amount of amniotic fluid, but this treatment approach is used only until the 32nd week of pregnancy to avoid further complications. If a pregnant woman has diabetes this increases the risk that she will develop polyhydramnios, so attention should be focused on her sugar levels, treating high blood sugar levels often reduces the volume of amniotic fluid and can help resolve the situation.
