What is oligohydramnios?
Oligohydramnios means there is less amniotic fluid around the baby than expected. Common causes include issues with placental function, rupture of the membranes, or, in some cases, a growth-restricted baby producing less urine (which is a main source of amniotic fluid later in pregnancy). It's identified by measuring the amniotic fluid index on ultrasound.
What is polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios is the opposite — more amniotic fluid than expected. It can be linked to maternal diabetes, certain fetal conditions that affect swallowing (since the baby normally swallows amniotic fluid), or occasionally has no identifiable cause at all.
How are these conditions detected?
Both are found on a routine ultrasound or during a pregnancy scan, by measuring the amniotic fluid index — the total amount of fluid seen across the uterus.
How are they managed?
- Further scanning to look for an underlying cause — checking the baby's growth, anatomy, and, where relevant, screening for maternal diabetes
- More frequent monitoring for the remainder of the pregnancy
- In more significant cases, additional assessment such as Doppler studies
- Delivery planning adjusted if the fluid level suggests it's needed
Many cases of both conditions are mild and simply monitored without needing active treatment — Dr. Chandak will explain what your specific finding likely means and what monitoring plan makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. Mild variations are common and often just monitored. More significant cases need investigation to find an underlying cause and closer monitoring.
Common causes include maternal diabetes and certain fetal conditions affecting swallowing, though often no specific cause is found.
Usually yes — more frequent monitoring helps track the fluid level and check on the baby's wellbeing for the rest of the pregnancy.