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What Complcations Does Low Amniotic Fluid Cause During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Fri, 23 May 2014
Question: i have got low amniotic fluid, I can tell because besides releasing over a period of a few days, my stomach feels tight and is alot smaller.
How long is it ok for a baby to be in utero with low waters/ no waters. what happens with breathing? and does amniotic fluid have a role to play during the birthing?
Besides what is said about infection, is there something else you consider?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Low amniotic fluid ( oligohydramnios ) is fraught with many complications.
The implications depend a lot on the gestational age, how far gone are you ?
It can lead to infection obviously if it is due to rupture of the membranes and leakage of the amniotic fluid.
Fluid is essential for baby's movements, breathing and development of other organ systems.
It can lead to hypo development of the lungs due to lack of fluid to expand in, thus , leading to complications in breathing.
IT can lead to limb amputations due to fibrous bands forming.
In itself, low amniotic fluid can lead to an underdeveloped baby, who can get asphyxiated and even die in utero due to oligohydramnios.
Please get an ultrasound scan and Colour doppler done at the earliest.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)
The gestation date is past 37 weeks.
Apparently it's the same as when the waters break and that at this age it isn't necessary?
That is all very intense. I'd spoken with the hospital and they said that reduction in the waters is a natural part of the birthing?

Does gestation age make all the difference here?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hi
37 weeks is preterm.
Yes, as term approaches, normally the amount of liquor reduces.
Most of the complications I mentioned arise when the liquor reduces well early on in pregnancy.
At 37 weeks, most of the complications are ruled out, so dont worry.
But yes, if you are leaking fluid, it is worrisome.
Infection might be superimposed, with very less amount of fluid, the baby's movements and breathing might be jeopardized.
A colour doppler and scan is necessary even at 37 weeks.
Normally, the membranes rupture just at onset of labour, this is preterm leaking of fluid.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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What Complcations Does Low Amniotic Fluid Cause During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: AS BELOW Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Low amniotic fluid ( oligohydramnios ) is fraught with many complications. The implications depend a lot on the gestational age, how far gone are you ? It can lead to infection obviously if it is due to rupture of the membranes and leakage of the amniotic fluid. Fluid is essential for baby's movements, breathing and development of other organ systems. It can lead to hypo development of the lungs due to lack of fluid to expand in, thus , leading to complications in breathing. IT can lead to limb amputations due to fibrous bands forming. In itself, low amniotic fluid can lead to an underdeveloped baby, who can get asphyxiated and even die in utero due to oligohydramnios. Please get an ultrasound scan and Colour doppler done at the earliest. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.