
The amniotic fluid is essential for the development of muscles, limbs, lungs, and the digestive system. The risks associated with oligohydramnios often depend on the gestation of the pregnancy. What are the risks of having low amniotic fluid? Maternal Complications– Factors such as maternal dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels.Post Date Pregnancy– A postdate pregnancy (one that goes over 42 weeks) can have low levels of amniotic fluid, which could be a result of declining placental function.Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) can also result in low amniotic fluid levels. Leaking or rupture of membranes –This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle of fluid.Placental problems – If the placenta is not providing enough blood and nutrients to the baby, then the baby may stop recycling fluid.Birth defects – Problems with the development of the kidneys or urinary tract which could cause little urine production, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid.Oligohydramnios can cause complications in about 12% of pregnancies that go past 41 weeks. If a woman is past her due date by two weeks or more, she may be at risk for low amniotic fluid levels since fluids can decrease by half once she reaches 42 weeks gestation. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the last trimester. If an AFI shows a fluid level of fewer than 5 centimeters (or less than the 5th percentile), the absence of a fluid pocket 2-3 cm in-depth, or a fluid volume of less than 500mL at 32-36 weeks gestation, then a diagnosis of oligohydramnios would be suspected.Ībout 8% of pregnant women can have low levels of amniotic fluid, with about 4% being diagnosed with oligohydramnios. Doctors can measure the amount of fluid through a few different methods, most commonly through amniotic fluid index (AFI) evaluation or deep pocket measurements. Oligohydramnios is the condition of having too little amniotic fluid. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too high it is called polyhydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. In some cases, the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. In the second trimester, the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid. It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks of fetal urine becomes the primary substance.Īs the baby grows he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is produced soon after the amniotic sac forms at about 12 days after conception. It protects your baby and aids in the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. The amniotic fluid is part of the baby’s life support system. Supplements and Medications for a Healthy Pregnancy.

Products & Tests to Support Your Pregnancy.Conception Health and Nutrition Support.Can I get pregnant if…and other questions about conception.Establishing Paternity with Paternity Tests.Birth Control Pills, patches and devices.
