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Amniotic Fluid Problems During Pregnancy



Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds and protects a developing baby during pregnancy. It's made up of water, protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Although a small amount of amniotic fluid is essential for fetal development, too much or too little can lead to serious health complications for both mother and child. Here's what you need to know about amniotic fluid problems during pregnancy.

Types of Amniotic Fluid Problems

Two amniotic fluid problems can occur during pregnancy: oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. Oligohydramnios occurs when there is too little amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This can happen if the mother's water breaks early or the baby's kidney isn't developing correctly. On the other hand, polyhydramnios occurs when there is too much amniotic fluid. This can be caused by twins or triplets (or more!) sharing one placenta, diabetes, or another medical condition.

Symptoms of Amniotic Fluid Problems

The most common symptom of oligohydramnios is decreased fetal movement. Other symptoms can include premature labor and maternal hypertension. On the other hand, polyhydramnios often causes maternal discomfort due to an enlarged abdomen. Maternal hypertension and early labor are also possible complications of polyhydramnios.

Diagnosing Amniotic Fluid Problems

Amniotic fluid problems are typically diagnosed during a routine ultrasound. Your doctor will look at the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and decide based on established norms. Sometimes, your doctor may order additional tests, such as amniocentesis, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Amniotic Fluid Problems

The treatment for amniotic fluid problems will vary depending on the severity of the condition and how far along in the pregnancy you are. Oligohydramnios can often be treated with medications that help increase the amount of amniotic fluid in the womb. If these treatments aren't effective or if polyhydramnios is present, your doctor may recommend inducing labor or performing a C-section so your baby can be delivered safely.


Amniotic fluid is essential for fetal development during pregnancy—but too much or too little can lead to serious health complications for both mother and child. If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor about your concerns regarding amniotic fluid levels. With early diagnosis and treatment, most cases of oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios can be resolved without any lasting effects on the mother or child.
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