Polyhydramnios

Definition:

The presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.

Considerations.
Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. Decreases or excessive amounts of amniotic fluid may be associated with abnormalities in the fetus.

Polyhydramnios occurs when the fetus fails, for any number of reasons, to swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in excess of normal amounts. This may occur as a result of gastrointestinal obstruction, neurological problems, or a variety of other causes.

Common causes:

• esophageal atresia
• duodenal atresia
• anencephaly
• hydrops fetalis
• achondroplasia
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• diaphragmatic hernia
• hydrops fetalis
• gastroschisis

Note: There may be other causes of polyhydramnios. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for polyhydramnios, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Update Date: 10/1/99
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial