When you're about to become a mother, sometimes the things doctors say can feel a bit overwhelming, right? It's normal to feel a little worried when you hear something like 'there's not enough water around the baby'. This is what doctors call `(Oligohydramnios)`. But don't worry, right? In most cases, if you take care of this condition properly, you can bring a healthy, cute baby into this world. Let's talk about this in detail, in Sinhala that you can understand.
So what does this mean about the water around the baby decreasing?
Simply put, when your baby is in the womb, there is a water-like liquid around him. This is what we call `(Amniotic fluid)` or amniotic fluid, or often "the water around the baby". This is like a protective bag for the baby. Imagine, because of this bag of water, the baby is protected from external pressures and various infections. Another important thing is that this water also helps to protect the umbilical cord from pressure. Not only that, this `(Amniotic fluid)` is very important for the proper development of the baby's lungs, digestive system, and body temperature control. So, `(Oligohydramnios)` means that the amount of water around the baby is less than expected. When that happens, some complications may occur during the baby's development or when the baby is born.
How common is this condition?
This condition, called ``Oligohydramnios'', affects about 4 in 100 pregnant women (4%). It most often occurs in the last three months of pregnancy, or the third trimester. However, if you are past your due date, or if you have not had your baby by the due date, the risk can increase to about 12%. This is because the amount of fluid around the baby naturally starts to decrease a bit during this time.
How much water should there be around the baby during pregnancy?
This really depends on how many weeks pregnant you are. This ``Amniotic fluid'' starts to form around 12 days after you get pregnant. In the early stages, this fluid comes from the ``Placenta''. At around 15 weeks, something amazing happens, the baby's urine becomes this fluid. Yes, the baby drinks that fluid and excretes it as urine. This is how the fluid level is regulated. This fluid reaches its maximum level around 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that, it starts to decrease gradually. Therefore, the amount of fluid present can vary from one period to another.
What are the signs that the baby is dehydrated?
Most of the time, you may not realize it. For another reason, it may be discovered by chance during an ultrasound scan to check the baby's development. When that happens, you may suddenly feel surprised and scared. But don't worry.
But sometimes the doctor may be suspicious about this because of things like:
- If you have a watery discharge from your vagina (you should tell your doctor if you are not sure what this is).
- If the size of your uterus is smaller than the number of weeks you are pregnant.
- If you feel the baby's movements are too small.
Why is there less water around the baby?
Most of the time, no real cause can be found. It can happen randomly, even in healthy pregnancies. But sometimes doctors can find a specific cause that contributes to it.
Here are some reasons:
- Congenital anomalies of the baby's kidneys or urinary system: If the baby's kidneys are not properly developed, the amount of urine they produce will decrease. This will also reduce the amount of water around the baby.
- Placenta Problems: The placenta is the source of blood and nutrients for the baby. If it is not working properly, the production of water may also decrease.
- More than two weeks past due date: As I mentioned before, the amount of water decreases as the days go by.
- Hypertension or preeclampsia: These conditions can reduce blood flow to the placenta, which can also cause low water levels.
- Dehydration: If your body doesn't have enough water, it can also affect you. That's why it's very important to drink plenty of water.
- Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM): If the membranes rupture before the baby is born and the water starts to leak out, the amount of water inside decreases.
If you have these conditions, you are more likely to have low water around your baby. If you have had low water in a previous pregnancy, that is also a risk factor.
What complications can this cause?
During the first 6 months of pregnancy, the water around the baby can be a little more dangerous than usual, because that's when the baby's organs are forming.
- Problems with organ development: In particular, the lungs may not develop properly, or the baby may be malformed in the womb, causing deformities in the limbs.
- Preterm birth .
- Stillbirth (this is very rare, but there is a risk).
- Infection can occur if the water breaks early.
However, if this condition (Oligohydramnios) is diagnosed in the last trimester of pregnancy (i.e. from weeks 28 to 40), the following complications may occur:
- Umbilical cord compression: Due to the lack of water around the baby, the umbilical cord can become compressed, reducing the amount of nutrition and oxygen the baby receives.
- Fetal growth restriction .
- There is a higher risk of having a baby by cesarean section (C-section).
- Having a baby early.
- There is a higher risk of infection if the water breaks early.
Think about it, just like when you put something in a balloon filled with water, it is safe, so is the baby in the womb. When the water level decreases, that safety decreases.
How do doctors detect this?
When you go to the doctor's office during your pregnancy, the doctor will perform an ultrasound scan to measure the amount of water around your baby. If the amount of water is lower than expected for the number of weeks your baby is in, you may be diagnosed with oligohydramnios.
There are two ways to measure this water:
1. Amniotic fluid index (AFI): This involves dividing your uterus into four sections and measuring the height of the deepest water column in each section. The AFI is then calculated by adding up the measurements from all four sections. A normal AFI should be greater than 5 centimeters (cm).
2. Maximum vertical pocket (MVP): This measures the height of the single, deepest column of water in the uterus. If the MVP is less than 2 centimeters (cm), it is considered low water.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment for this depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether you have other pregnancy complications. If you are near full term (that is, past 37 weeks), your doctor may decide that it is best to induce labor to protect your baby.
The doctor will visit you more often and spend more clinic days. Each time, they will closely monitor your baby's development. Here are some things you can do at these clinics:
- Repeated ultrasound scans.
- `Nonstress tests` (this checks how the baby's heart rate responds to his movements).
Other treatment options depend on the cause of your low water level. If there is a suspicion that your water has broken, or if your water level continues to be low, you may be admitted to the hospital for close observation.
Can drinking water increase the amount of water around the baby?
Maybe. Some studies have shown that drinking plenty of water during pregnancy, especially for those who are dehydrated, can help increase the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. That's why it's important to drink enough water every day. Ask your doctor for advice.
Is there a way I can prevent this?
There is really nothing you can do to prevent oligohydramnios. The most important thing is to attend your prenatal appointments regularly. And to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and your past health history. Knowing early on whether you are at risk for this condition is the best way to identify and treat it.
Will my baby be healthy with this condition?
Yes, most likely your baby will be born healthy. Don't worry. Although amniotic fluid can sometimes be serious, most babies are fine after birth. The important thing is to recognize this condition early and manage it properly according to medical advice.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- If you have a watery discharge from your vagina (if you are not sure what kind of discharge it is, tell your doctor).
- If there is vaginal bleeding.
- If you have stomach pain, cramps or pelvic pain.
- If you are having contractions, similar to labor pains.
- If you feel the baby's movements are too small.
Remember, if you have any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Seeking medical advice immediately is very important for your and your baby's safety.
The most important things we need to learn from this
Okay, so, hearing that your baby has low water, or ``Oligohydramnios'', is a big shock, and it's normal to have a lot of questions. 'What will happen to my baby?'', 'Can't this be fixed?'' You probably have questions like these in your mind. All of those questions are reasonable. But try not to panic. As I said before, most mothers with this condition give birth to healthy babies.
Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout your pregnancy. They will discuss with you the safest treatment plan for both you and your baby. The main goal of doctors is to keep you and your baby healthy. Therefore, attending all your prenatal appointments and sharing your symptoms with your doctor is the best way to identify any potential problems with the amount of water around your baby. Don't forget to drink plenty of water. May the Lord bless you and your baby!
` Oligohydramnios, decreased amniotic fluid during pregnancy, amniotic fluid, decreased water around the baby, pregnancy complications, ultrasound, premature birth
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