How is severe amniotic fluid deficiency affected?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nguyen Anh Tu - Doctor of Obstetric Ultrasound - Prenatal Diagnosis - Obstetrics Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, severe amniotic fluid deficiency will have different effects on the development of the fetus. Pregnant women need to understand these influences in order to make informed decisions for themselves during the treatment of severe amniotic fluid deficiency.

1. How much amniotic fluid is normal?

Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus, acts as a fluid environment to help protect the fetus from bumps, trauma, and infection; At the same time, it also contains a rich source of nutrients necessary for the fetus. Clear amniotic fluid is a sign that the fetus is developing stably and the mother's uterus is healthy.
Under normal conditions, the volume of amniotic fluid at each stage of pregnancy is as follows:
At 10 weeks gestation: About 30ml; At 34-36 weeks gestation: kAbout 1000ml; At 40 weeks pregnant: Reduce to 800ml.

2. What is severe amniotic fluid deficiency?

The lack of amniotic fluid in pregnant women will not have many obvious symptoms, so doctors often rely on ultrasound results to diagnose amniotic fluid status. In ultrasound, there is a mandatory index to measure, which is the AFI index or the amniotic index. The average amniotic index for a fetus from 16-41 weeks of age is 12-16.

3. Is lack of amniotic fluid dangerous?

According to specialists, the degree of impact of severe amniotic fluid on the fetus depends on the stage of pregnancy, but amniotic fluid has little effect on the fetus, the answer is definitely yes.
If lack of amniotic fluid occurs in the first half of pregnancy: Severe amniotic fluid deficiency is especially worrisome for young fetuses because only half of them are fully developed to adulthood. The space around the fetus is too tight, which can cause the baby's skeletal system to be deformed. Therefore, if you see a lot of vaginal discharge, pregnant women should immediately notify the doctor because this is a sign of amniotic fluid leakage, which causes the amniotic fluid to gradually dry out, which is very dangerous. In addition, lack of amniotic fluid in the early stages also increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
This case may be caused by fetal causes such as chromosomal abnormalities, growth retardation, birth defects; or from placental abruption , twin-twin transfusion syndrome; or maternal causes such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, diabetes; or idiopathic.
In which, birth defects related to amniotic fluid deficiency include:
Amniotic band syndrome; Heart defects; Tetralogy of Fallot ; Turner syndrome; Congenital pathology of the urinary system; Hypothyroidism; .... If lack of amniotic fluid occurs in the second half of pregnancy:
Amniotic deficiency in the second half of pregnancy can lead to dangerous complications such as intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth,... or complications during labor such as amniotic fluid mixed with meconium or complications leading to a cesarean section. In particular, the rapid depletion of amniotic fluid during labor will be very dangerous, because at this time, the uterus contracts strongly, tightening on the fetus, which will easily cause asphyxia, fetal distress and lead to death.
Therefore, if there is severe amniotic fluid deficiency at the end of pregnancy, the pregnant mother needs to be hospitalized for treatment immediately. In case the fetus is full term, it is necessary to have an early cesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

4. Pregnant women with severe amniotic fluid deficiency what to do?

Depending on the status as well as the level of amniotic fluid deficiency in each stage of pregnancy, the doctor will have different indications and advice.
During the first and second trimesters of pregnancy: It is necessary to clearly determine whether the cause of amniotic fluid deficiency is in the mother or the fetus. If it is from the mother, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy to thoroughly treat the accompanying diseases in the mother; if it is from the fetus, especially the pathology of aplasia of the urinary system with severe birth defects and high risk, the pregnancy can be terminated.
In the last 3 months of pregnancy: Pregnant women need to lie down, drink lots of water, make sure to drink 2.5 - 3 liters of water every day or if necessary, they can go to the hospital for intravenous fluids to increase blood flow. to the uterus. Pregnant women also need to measure the amniotic fluid index 1-2 times a week until delivery to closely monitor the evolution of amniotic fluid volume and take timely interventions. If the pregnant mother has a lack of amniotic fluid or the fetal health test results are not guaranteed when the fetus is over 37 weeks old, a cesarean delivery may be indicated.
To prevent lack of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, pregnant women need to drink enough water every day, be it mineral water, boiled water or fruit juice, milk,... because this helps promote blood circulation , increased amniotic fluid flow. In addition, another very important and indispensable thing is that pregnant women need regular pregnancy health checks to detect the earliest signs of lack of amniotic fluid and other abnormalities for timely intervention.
Maternity care program implemented at Vinmec International General Hospital is always highly appreciated among maternity care services in Vietnam. Vinmec has a team of top doctors, selected with the strictest medical ethics and professional standards. Vinmec is also a hospital that always focuses on applying new and advanced medical advances in the world to the examination, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, helping to effectively treat not only the lack of amniotic fluid during pregnancy but also the lack of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. many other abnormalities in pregnant women.
Maternity techniques at Vinmec, whether simple or complicated, are controlled by a strict, methodical, serious and responsible process. Especially, the professional service quality, civilized and luxurious hospital space will give pregnant women the most comfortable and secure feeling, because Vinmec understands that pregnant women are the objects that need to be cherished and protected. to how.

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