What is the reason for low amniotic fluid in pregnant women

Women will have amniotic fluid in their uterus after they become pregnant. Amniotic fluid not only nourishes the embryo, but also protects the healthy growth of the embryo. During the entire pregnancy process, amniotic fluid plays a vital role and controls the life and health of the fetus. However, if there is too little amniotic fluid or the amniotic fluid is lost, it will lead to a decrease in oxygen in the abdominal cavity and cause fetal maldevelopment. Therefore, many pregnant women will be told by doctors during the hospital examination that the amniotic fluid is less than 300 ml. This phenomenon will affect the healthy development of the baby and may also cause hypoxia. The main reason for the lack of amniotic fluid is related to the rupture of amniotic fluid. Placental problems are also factors that cause the lack of amniotic fluid. There are also cases of twins or multiple births. Therefore, the lack of amniotic fluid cannot be delayed for a long time and measures need to be taken as soon as possible.

Oligohydramnios definition

Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy process, it is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining fetal life. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. In the early stages of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo; later, as the embryo's organs begin to mature and develop, other sources of amniotic fluid, such as the fetal urine, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, umbilical cord, placental surface, etc., also become sources of amniotic fluid.

Oligohydramnios refers to the amount of amniotic fluid less than 300ml in late pregnancy. Too little amniotic fluid can seriously affect the effect of perinatal treatment (perinatal refers to the fetus or newborn during the period before, during and after delivery of the pregnant woman, usually from the 28th week of pregnancy to 7 days after delivery. The incidence of oligohydramnios is 0.4%-4%. If the amount of amniotic fluid is less than 50ml, the perinatal mortality rate is as high as 88%.

1. Rupture of the amniotic membrane leads to low amniotic fluid

Even a small tear in the amniotic membrane will allow some amniotic fluid to leak out. This can happen at any stage of your pregnancy. However, it is more common near birth. You may discover leakage yourself if you notice your underwear is wet, or your doctor may discover it during an examination.

Rupture of membranes increases the risk of infection for you and your baby because it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the amniotic cavity. Sometimes, a small tear will heal on its own, and the fluid will stop leaking and return to normal levels. This usually happens if the leak was caused by amniocentesis.

2. Placental problems lead to low amniotic fluid

If there is a problem with the placenta, such as partial abruption, the placenta cannot supply enough blood and nutrients to the baby, resulting in the interruption of amniotic fluid circulation in the fetus.

3. Certain diseases lead to low amniotic fluid

Certain diseases can also cause low amniotic fluid, such as chronic high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, and lupus.

4. Twins or multiple births cause oligohydramnios

If you are pregnant with twins or more, you may also have oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios may also occur in cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome, where one baby has too little amniotic fluid and the other has too much.

5. Fetal malformation leads to oligohydramnios

If you are diagnosed with oligohydramnios in early or mid-pregnancy, it may mean that your baby will have birth defects. If your baby has no kidneys, has abnormal kidney development (called Potter syndrome), or has a blocked urethra, he or she may not produce enough urine to maintain the amount of amniotic fluid. Congenital heart defects can also cause this problem.