Definition
Polydramnios consists of the overproduction of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This phenomenon is not harmful to the fetus, but is associated with a greater risk of preterm birth, due to uterine distension.
In the mother, the polidramnios can also involve breathing difficulties, post-partum hemorrhage, placental detachment and gestosis (pre-eclampsia).
Furthermore, the overproduction of amniotic fluid can increase the risk of obstetric complications, such as umbilical cord prolapse or mechanical dystocias. For this reason, if the condition is particularly serious, the drainage of the amniotic fluid in excess (amnioriduzione) can be advised to the future mother.
The most common maternal cause of polydramnios is gestational diabetes.
With regard to the fetus, however, the phenomenon may indicate obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract (eg esophageal or duodenal atresia), excessive production of urine and poor swallowing. Sometimes, the overproduction of amniotic fluid can be associated with fetal hydrops, skeletal dysplasia, cardiac malformations and neurological abnormalities (eg anencephaly).
Polydramnios can also be found in the presence of fetal-fetal transfusion syndrome in the case of twin pregnancy and congenital infections, such as syphilis and viral hepatitis.
Possible Causes * of Polydramnios
- Esophageal atresia
- Gestational diabetes
- Insipid diabetes
- Hepatitis
- Fetal erythroblastosis
- Bowel obstruction
- Syphilis
- Down syndrome
- Trisomy 18
