Polyhydramnios Flashcards
What is polyhydramnios?
Where there is excessive amounts of amniotic fluid in the uterus
What are the signs and symptoms of polyhydramnios?
Fetus that is difficult to palpate
Uterus that feels tense
Large for dates uterus
What are the two main mechanisms of polyhydramnios?
Excessive amniotic fluid production
Reduced fetal swallowing (removal of amniotic fluid)
What are the causes of excess production of amniotic fluid?
Maternal diabetes
Macrosomia
Fetal renal disorders
Fetal anaemia
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome
What are the causes of reduced fetal swallowing?
Oesophageal atresia
Duodenal atresia
Diaphragmatic hernia
Anenecephaly
Chromosomal disorders
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
What are the maternal complications of polyhydramnios?
Maternal respiratory compromise due to pressure on diaphragm
Increased risk of UTI
GORD
Peripheral oedema
Constipation
Stretch marks
What are the fetal risks of polyhydramnios?
Pre-term labour and delivery
Premature rupture of membranes
Placental abruption
Malpresentation of fetus
Umbilical cord prolapse
What is the management of polyhydramnios?
Treatment of underlying causes
Amnio-reduction
What AFI is indicative of polyhydramnios?
More than 25
What is the most common cause of polyhydramnios?
Idiopathic
