Polyhydramnios

Question 1

What is it?

How is it quantified?

Answer 1

Excess amniotic fluid - a sign of underlying disease

Amniotic fluid index

Question 2

Causes:

Excess fluid production:

• Why does pre-existing or GDM cause this?
• What is hydrops fetalis?

Impaired fetal swallow - what causes this?

Answer 2

Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to an excessive buildup of amniotic fluid.

Oedema in 2 or more fetal compartments, due to rhesus haemolytic disease, trisomies, fetal anaemia, or infection
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Duodenal or oesophageal atresia 
Neuromuscular disease (e.g. myotic dystrophy)

Question 3

Complications?

Answer 3

Preterm labour

Malpresentation

Question 4

Management:

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Answer 4

Look for underlying disease

So OGTT for DM
Infection screen
Red cell Ab