• Gestational Diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm Labor
• Post-term Pregnancy
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
• Polyhydramnios
• Oligohydramnios
• Placenta abruption and previa
• Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

10 things to know about Oligohydramnios

1. Oligohydramnios means too little amniotic fluid.
2. Oligohydramnios occurs in 8% of pregnancies and can develop at anytime during pregnancy
3. Adequate amniotic fluid is important for your baby’s normal growth and for cushioning the umbilical cord against compression. Amniotic fluid from fetal urination, breathing, and swallowing contribute to the overall amniotic fluid volume.
4. The causes of oligohydramnios include:
• Birth defects in early pregnancy, involving kidneys or urinary tract abnormalities
• Intrauterine growth restriction (inadequate fetal growth)
• Post term pregnancy
• Ruptured membrane
5. Risk factors for oligohydramnios include
• Women with chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, placental problems (abruption, twin to twin transfusion)
• Majority of women do not have any identifiable risk factors
6. Oligohydramnios may cause
• Limb or lung abnormality when oligohydramnios happens early in pregnancy
• Increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction
• Risk of umbilical cord compression
• Increased risk for complications during labor and delivery
7. Oligohydramnios is diagnosed by clinical suspicion with small abdomen size. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound.
8. There is no long term treatment for oligohydramnios. Short term treatment with saline amnioinfusion can temporarily replace the decreased amniotic fluid.
9. Maternal oral or intravenous fluid may also temporarily increase the amniotic volume
10. Close monitoring with prenatal visits, Kick Count, nonstress tests, biophysical profile and serial ultrasound for growth may be considered. The delivery plan depends on fetal and maternal conditions.