Definition of Polyhydramnios:

Polyhydramnios is the presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.

Considerations:

Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. There may be too little or too much amniotic fluid due to problems in the fetus.

Polyhydramnios can occur if the fetus does not swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This can happen due to gastrointestinal disorders, brain and nervous system (neurological) problems, or a variety of other causes. Polyhydramnios may also be related to increased fluid production, as is the case with certain fetal lung disorders.

Sometimes, no specific cause for polyhydramnios is found.

Common Causes:

• Achondroplasia
• Anencephaly
• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Duodenal atresia
• Esophageal atresia
• Gastroschisis
• Gestational diabetes
• Hydrops fetalis
• Multiple gestation (for example, twins or triplets)
• Myotonic dystrophy