Should we learn about oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid around the baby) during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, you must have heard about " low water around the baby ". Maybe there was a note about it in your scan report. Most of the time, some mothers get a little scared when talking about this. So today, let's talk about what this low water around the baby means, which is what we medically call `(Oligohydramnios)`. Is this dangerous? Why does this happen? Let's talk about all this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is the water around the baby? (Amniotic Fluid)

Simply put, your baby is floating in this liquid medium inside the womb. We call this amniotic fluid . This is not just a little bit of water. It is like a protective cushion for the baby. This fluid is what allows the baby to move around and move its limbs. It is also essential for the development of the baby's lungs, digestive system, and kidneys.

Consider this: Your baby starts producing amniotic fluid about 12 days after conception. By about 16-20 weeks, the baby's kidneys are functioning, and urine becomes the main component of this fluid. The level of this fluid gradually increases until about 36 weeks, after which it remains at a stable level until delivery. Normally, this fluid can be between 500 and 1000 milliliters (1 liter). ``Oligohydramnios`` is when there is less of this fluid than is necessary for the duration of pregnancy.

How do you measure this amount of water?

Your doctor will measure this fluid level through an ultrasound scan. There are several ways to measure this.

These are the two methods most commonly used by doctors.

Why is the water decreasing like this?

In most cases, about 50% of cases, no specific cause can be found. However, there are several factors that can contribute to water shortages.

• Pregnancy that is longer than the due date: This fluid may naturally decrease when the baby is born after the due date.
• Amniotic sac rupture: This is what we call "water breaking." Sometimes it can leak out through a small hole.
• Placental problems: Conditions such as placental abruption , where the placenta separates from the uterine wall.
• Birth defects in the baby: Especially if there is a problem with the baby's kidneys or urinary system, the amount of urine the baby produces will decrease, resulting in decreased fluid intake.
• Chromosomal abnormalities.
• Twin pregnancies: In twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome , a condition in which nutrients are unevenly distributed between twins, one baby may have less fluid around it.
• Maternal health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure in the mother.
• Certain medications: Certain medications, such as (ACE) inhibitors for high blood pressure and (NSAIDs) for pain relief.

What are the complications of low water?

How serious this condition is depends on at what stage of pregnancy it occurs.

What is Potter Syndrome?

This is a rare but serious condition that is associated with `(Oligohydramnios)`. What happens here is that the baby's kidneys are not developing properly, so urine production is very low. As a result, there is almost no amniotic fluid. This can cause serious complications such as specific facial features (flat nose, eyes set far apart), short limbs, and underdeveloped lungs.

How do you know if you have this condition? (Symptoms)

The important thing is, you can have this condition without having any symptoms in most cases. Your doctor will only detect it during your routine ultrasound scan.

However, there are a few features you should be aware of:

1. Watery discharge from the vagina: This is the main symptom. It doesn't have to be a lot of water coming out at once like in the movies. Sometimes it can be a little bit of a trickle, like a string. If you see something like this , call your doctor immediately.

2. Your belly feels smaller than expected: If your belly feels smaller compared to your pregnancy week, that could also be a sign.

3. Decreased baby's movements: As the water level decreases, the baby has less room to move, so you may feel less baby movement.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on how low your fluid levels are and what stage of pregnancy you are in.

• Frequent monitoring: Ultrasound scans are performed weekly to monitor fluid levels and the baby's growth.
• Drink plenty of water: Some studies have shown that drinking plenty of water, especially during the latter part of pregnancy, can help increase fluid levels to some extent.
• Control of the mother's diseases: If there are diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, it is essential to control them well.
• Early labor: In some cases, for the safety of the baby, doctors may decide to induce labor even before the due date.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any doubts or questions during your pregnancy, never hesitate to ask your doctor. In particular, if you experience any of the following , seek medical advice immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

• If a watery liquid leaks from the vagina.
• If there is vaginal bleeding.
• If you feel uterine contractions along with abdominal or back pain.
• If you feel that your baby's movements have decreased significantly.

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