Low Amniotic Fluid Symptoms

Amniotic fluid, present in the growing amniotic sac in the womb of a pregnant woman, is necessary for the survival and proper growth of the fetus. Low amniotic fluid is the condition wherein too little amniotic fluid is present in the womb of the pregnant woman. This type of disorder is referred to as 'oligohydramnios'. High levels of amniotic fluid are referred to as 'polyhydramnios'.

Amniotic Fluid

Functions: Baby in the womb is surrounded by the amniotic fluid. It holds the baby safely. The fluid protects the baby from being hurt. Babies do swallow the fluid from the second trimester. It is thrown out of the baby's body in the form of urine. Initially, the fluid contains water supplied by the mother, but after around 20 weeks, it contains fetal urine. The fluid provides all necessary nutrients to the baby. Amniotic fluid is essential for proper growth of the baby. Development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system of the baby depends upon the presence of amniotic fluid only. Thus, it is crucial for the survival of the baby and for having a healthy baby. Amniotic fluid test is performed to check whether the baby has any genetic disorders like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Turner syndrome.

Amniotic fluid (commonly referred to as 'waters') is formed as soon as the amniotic sac is formed, at about 12 days after conception. The amount of fluid increases day-by-day and generally peaks at 36/37 weeks. At this point of time, a pregnant woman may have about 800-1000ml of amniotic fluid. Then, till childbirth, gradual decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid is noticed.

Problems: Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) evaluation or deep pocket measurements help assess the level of amniotic fluid. Lungs of the baby develop and mature as the baby starts breathing and swallowing the fluid from the second trimester. So, low amniotic fluid symptoms, present in the first half of pregnancy can lead to serious complications. Pregnant women with oligohydramnios are likely to experience a miscarriage or stillbirth. Even though the woman gives birth to the baby, there are increased chances of congenital defects as scarcity of amniotic fluid leads to compression of fetal organs. Oligohydramnios experienced in second half of the pregnancy can lead to pre-term birth or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Similarly, complications during childbirth such as cord compression, meconium stained fluid and c-section delivery may arise due to deficiency of amniotic fluid in the second half of pregnancy.

Low Amniotic Fluid

Symptoms: Leaking amniotic fluid during pregnancy can eventually lead to scarcity of amniotic fluid. Leakage of amniotic fluid at the end of the pregnancy is commonly referred to as 'water breaking'. This is one of the normal signs of labor during pregnancy. Significant leaking of the amniotic fluid, early during pregnancy, is considered as a sign of preterm labor (delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy).

If weight gain during pregnancy is not according to the established standards, then doctors may check for low amniotic fluid. In case of scarcity of amniotic fluid, the outline of the baby is easily felt during physical examination. Less movement of the baby in the womb also indicates insufficient amniotic fluid.

Women with lupus, diabetes, chronic high blood pressure are more likely to have less than normal amount of amniotic fluid in the sac. Women who have already given birth to a baby with restricted growth, should check the amniotic fluid levels during next pregnancy, regularly.

Treatment: Placental problems, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), pregnancy that goes over 42 weeks, maternal dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) are some of the main reasons of having less than normal amniotic fluid. Treating such problems promptly, helps prevent abnormal levels of the fluid. Re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids helps overcome the problem of low levels of amniotic fluid. Fetal abnormalities (baby not able to produce enough urine, due to kidney dysfunction or other problems), use of certain medications can bring down the levels of amniotic fluid. 'Carrying twins' is also sometimes responsible for abnormal amniotic fluid levels. Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter; and injection of fluid before delivery are some of the treatment options available.

Pregnant women should never take over-the-counter medications. They should consult a doctor for each and every problem. Healthy diet and increased intake of fluids is essential during pregnancy. Pregnant women should quit smoking. To avoid threatening side effects of low amniotic fluid, pregnant women should undergo regular checkup and follow the instructions of the doctor, religiously.