Oligohydramnios is too little fluid in the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is the water bag inside the uterus that cushions and protects your baby. It also allows normal growth and development to occur. Normal amniotic fluid levels vary. The average volume during pregnancy is almost one liter at 36-37 weeks.
Low amniotic fluid can indicate a problem in the mother or the baby. It can also cause problems that vary depending on when in pregnancy oligohydramnios occurs.
Problems in the first half of pregnancy may include:
Problems in the second half of pregnancy may include:
Fetus in Utero, Amniotic Fluid
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
There are many known causes of oligohydramnios. However, sometimes a specific cause cannot be found. Conditions that can cause oligohydramnios include:
Factors that increase your chance of getting oligohydramnios include:
Oligohydramnios usually does not cause women to have any symptoms. If the amniotic sac has a tear, you may notice a gush of fluid from the vagina. The fluid may leak out slowly causing constant wetness. Your doctor may also notice that your abdomen is smaller than expected for your gestational age.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your doctor will do an ultrasound to view the uterus and fetus. Measurements of the fluid levels will be taken. The fetus will also be closely looked at for any signs of problems.
Your doctor may do other tests including blood tests to check for health problems in the mother. Other tests may be done to look for problems with the fetus's health.
Your doctor will monitor you and your baby closely to make sure the condition does not get worse and that the fetus remains healthy. You will probably have more frequent prenatal visits and regular ultrasound tests. It is very important to keep these appointments.
Treatment options include:
The only way to prevent oligohydramnios is to treat its causes if possible. Make sure to get proper care before, during, and after pregnancy. This may include:
American Pregnancy Association
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Amniotic fluid abnormalities. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905317/Amniotic-fluid-abnormalities. Updated March 29, 2017. Accessed April 7, 2017.
Low amniotic fluid levels: Oligohydramnios. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/oligohydramnios. Updated August 2015. Accessed April 7, 2017.
Oligohydramnios. March of Dimes website. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/oligohydramnios.aspx. Updated June 2012. Accessed April 7, 2017.
Prenatal ultrasound screening. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115088/Prenatal-ultrasound-screening. Updated February 5, 2016. Accessed April 7, 2017.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee. ACOG committee opinion no. 560: Medically indicated late-preterm and early-term deliveries.. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;121(4):908-910. Reaffirmed 2015.
Last reviewed April 2017 by Andrea Chisholm, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
What can we help you find?close ×