Low Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy : Oligohydramnios

What is Amniotic Fluid?

Amniotic fluid surrounds the developing fetus in the amniotic sac, and performs some important functions. The amniotic fluid:

provides protective cushioning

protects the baby and uterus from infection

serves as a backup of nutrients and fluids for your baby

allows your baby to move about and breath

helps in the development of the respiratory, digestive and musculoskeletal systems

What Causes Oligohydramnios During Pregnancy?

There are several different causes of low amniotic fluid, which include:

leaking or ruptured membranes : your membrane may possibly have a small tear in it and your health care provider may discover this during an exam

placenta complications : should your placenta stop producing enough nutrients to feed your baby, he may stop recycling fluids which would reduce the amniotic fluid in the sack

eating disorders

fetal abnormalities : if your baby has kidney problems, he may stop producing enough urine to keep the amniotic fluid levels up in the sack

Signs and Symptoms of Low Amniotic Fluid

There are several signs that may lead you to suspect low levels of amniotic fluid. These include:

leaking fluid

small measurements

lack of feeling movement from your baby

an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 5cm or less

How it Affects the Baby

One of the main concerns is that your placenta may not be functioning correctly, which could lead to a number of complications. You may have a premature birth, or the amniotic fluid may get so low that your baby will compress the umbilical cord and starve himself of oxygen. Low amniotic fluid may also prevent some of the vital organs and systems we all rely on for fully developing.

Treatment

Sometimes, replacing fluid through maternal oral or IV hydration may be used to help correct the condition. Other times, amnioinfusion is used. If low amniotic fluid is seen in a post-term pregnancy, most practitioners will induce labor.

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