For your info...
In general, low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) is cause for concern. Amniotic fluid provides a cushion to protect your baby from injury, as well as room to grow and develop. More importantly, amniotic fluid volume reflects the baby's urine volume, since your baby continuously swallows and urinates the amniotic fluid. Urine output is an important measure of your baby's well-being.
You may have low amniotic fluid volume if your membranes surrounding your baby have ruptured, but in that case you would have a clear fluid discharge from your vagina. Low amniotic fluid may also be the result of a serious health condition in your baby. Some common conditions associated with low amniotic fluid include:
- Heart defects
- Kidney and urinary tract problems
- Lung malformations
- Genetic disorders
- Delayed growth in the womb
In addition, prolonged low fluid volume may create problems for your baby, such as:
- Clubbed feet
- Deformed skull
- Inadequate lung development
During labor, low amniotic fluid volume may predispose the baby to heart rate abnormalities since the umbilical cord isn't effectively cushioned. Compression of the cord can deprive your baby of adequate oxygen.
The treatments for low amniotic fluid vary. During labor, it's possible to infuse saline into the sac holding your amniotic fluid to cushion the baby. Before the onset of labor and membrane rupture, your options for treatment are limited. Bed rest may increase uterine blood flow and improve your baby's urine output. Or, if you're extremely dehydrated, drinking more water, as your doctor suggested, may help. The baby will also become more hydrated and urinate more. Whatever treatment your doctor prescribes, your condition should be carefully monitored, given the potential seriousness of the condition.
From http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-amniotic-fluid/AN01659
>>> I'm glad that throughout my pregnancy, my amniotic fluid has been plentiful :)
No comments:
Post a Comment