Fetal Hydrops

What are fetal hydrops symptoms?

We diagnose fetal hydrops with fetal ultrasound imaging. Fluid buildup that’s visible on ultrasound is the only fetal hydrops symptom.

In rare situations, the mother can experience mirror syndrome (also called Ballantyne syndrome or triple edema). Mirror syndrome occurs in pregnancy when the baby inside the womb has excess fluid and as a result, the mother gets preeclampsia, which is a form of high blood pressure. Signs of mirror syndrome can include swelling, elevated blood pressure, kidney failure, liver failure and heart failure.

What tests do we use to diagnose fetal hydrops?  

We diagnose fetal hydrops with a fetal ultrasound. Additional imaging such as fetal echocardiogram (a fetal heart ultrasound) and fetal MRI (imaging using magnetic technology) can tell us more about the location and severity of the fetal hydrops.

We can perform a maternal blood test to detect infections and genetic issues. We may also use lab tests such as an amniocentesis to find the specific causes. Amniocentesis is a procedure in which we pass a thin needle into the mom’s uterus and into the amniotic fluid, which surrounds the baby. We take this fluid out and test it for genetic issues and infectious diseases in the baby.

What can I expect from fetal hydrops tests?

Imaging tests typically take an hour or less. Amniocentesis procedures do not cause the mother much discomfort but they may feel pressure, a cramp or a slight pinch as the needle passes through the uterus.

Infectious disease study results take 5 to 7 days to return.  Initial genetic testing typically takes 7 to 10 days while some expanded genetic testing can take up to 6 to 10 weeks. We usually get blood test results back within 48 hours.

How do we treat fetal hydrops?

Fetal hydrops treatment depends on its cause. Treatment can include:

• Medication for heart rate issues or arrhythmias (abnormal rhythm) before birth
• Delivery at a hospital with specialized neonatal care
• Fetal blood transfusions for fetal anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Fetal shunt (small tube) procedures for lymphatic malformations to drain the excess fluid from the baby’s body into the amniotic cavity (the space surrounding the baby filled with amniotic fluid)
• Medication to stop fetal tumor growth

Why choose us for fetal hydrops treatment?

Fetal hydrops can be the result of several different conditions and variables. Because the Colorado Fetal Care Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the most advanced fetal care centers in the country, we can diagnose all conditions that may cause fetal hydrops, even the rarest combinations.

From the moment patients walk through our doors, we assemble a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team which includes maternal fetal medicine specialists, experienced neonatologists and cardiologists, radiologists, geneticists, social workers, pediatric surgeons and other specialists you and your baby may require before or after birth.

By involving a unique team of specialists for each case we treat from the very beginning, we can use our combined experience to help guide you through you and your baby’s medical journey and to achieve the best possible outcome. Our fetal imaging specialists are experienced and trained in diagnosing conditions like fetal hydrops and we produce some of the best fetal care success rates in the country. So when you return home with your baby, you also return home with peace of mind.