Polyhydramnios
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Polyhydramnios
is a condition that causes you to have too much amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This fluid surrounds your unborn baby in the womb. Polyhydramnios is most common in the third trimester.
Why amniotic fluid is important during pregnancy:
Amniotic fluid helps your baby grow and develop normally. The fluid does the following during pregnancy:
- Protects your baby from injury
- Protects the umbilical cord and keeps it from being pinched
- Helps your baby's lungs develop, and helps him or her exercise his or her muscles and digestive system
- Keeps your baby's temperature regular and protected from infection
- Prevents contractions from starting early
Common signs and symptoms of polyhydramnios:
- More weight gain than expected in the mother
- Swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, or less urination than usual in the mother
- Mother's abdomen is tight or shiny, or larger than expected for the trimester
- More amniotic fluid than expected for the trimester
Seek care immediately if:
- You have clear fluid leaking from your vagina.
- You have heavy bleeding or any bleeding from your vagina for more than 24 hours.
- You have vision changes or problems, such as blurred vision.
Call your obstetrician if:
- Your baby is moving less than usual.
- You gain weight rapidly, or you have swelling in your legs or face.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have contractions before you are due.
- You have cramps, pressure in your abdomen, or a low backache.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
Mild polyhydramnios may not need to be treated. If it is severe, you may need any of the following:
- Amnioreduction is a procedure used to remove extra amniotic fluid.
- Medicine may be given to reduce the amount of urine your baby produces.
- Delivery may be recommended if your baby is close to full term.
Care for yourself until delivery:
- Elevate your head. Keep your head and shoulders propped up when you are lying down. This position will help you breathe deeply and prevent shortness of breath.
- Get more rest. Your healthcare provider may tell you to alternate rest with activity. Activity improves your circulation and breathing.
- Drink liquids as directed. Liquids can help prevent the amniotic sac from rupturing (tearing). This is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Amniotic fluid can leak out of a torn amniotic sac.
Risks of polyhydramnios:
Your water may break early, and your baby may be born prematurely. He or she may grow more than expected. The placenta may pull away from the womb before delivery. The umbilical cord may drop into your vagina before the baby. This can prevent your baby from getting enough oxygen during delivery. You may need a cesarean section (C-section). You may have heavy bleeding after delivery.
Lower your risk for polyhydramnios in a future pregnancy:
You may not be able to prevent polyhydramnios. The following may lower the risk:
- Do not smoke. Nicotine increases the risk for problems with your pregnancy and your baby's health. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes or to help you quit. They still contain nicotine. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and beans. Healthy foods can help you gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, and prevent diabetes.
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed. The vitamins should contain at least 4,000 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Your healthcare provider can help you choose a prenatal vitamin that is right for you.
- Control diabetes or other medical conditions. Diabetes can cause problems for your baby, such as too much weight gain. If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to manage your blood sugar levels before and during your next pregnancy.
Follow up with your obstetrician as directed:
You may need tests every 1 to 3 weeks. Go to all follow-up visits. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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