Polyhydramnios

What are the signs and symptoms of polyhydramnios?

Most people with polyhydramnios don’t have any signs of the condition. Usually, you find out you have polyhydramnios during routine checks during pregnancy to measure your amniotic fluid. Noticeable symptoms include:

• Belly pain or tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Indigestion, upset stomach or constipation
• Increased or decreased urination

How do we diagnose polyhydramnios?

Your healthcare provider measures amniotic fluid levels throughout your pregnancy. Typically, we use one of two tests:

• Amniotic fluid index (AFI) test: Your provider uses a fetal ultrasound to measure amniotic fluid in four specific areas of your uterus. They add the total amount of amniotic fluid in all four areas. Anything above 25 centimeters is considered polyhydramnios. You usually have an AFI test every time you get an ultrasound.
• Maximum vertical pocket (MVP) test: Your provider uses an ultrasound to measure the amount of amniotic fluid in the deepest part of your uterus. Anything more than eight centimeters is considered polyhydramnios.

How do we treat polyhydramnios?

Mild polyhydramnios late in the third trimester doesn’t usually require any treatment. When it occurs earlier in pregnancy, you may need tests or polyhydramnios treatment such as:

• Amniocentesis, a test to check your amniotic fluid for genetic conditions
• Special imaging, such as ultrasounds, MRIs or echocardiograms, to evaluate the cause of increased fluid
• Frequent prenatal monitoring, such as weekly ultrasounds to check your amniotic fluid levels and nonstress tests
• Amnioreduction, a procedure to guide a hollow needle into the uterus and remove amniotic fluid to restore normal levels
• Medication that lowers your baby’s urine output, which lowers your amniotic fluid
• Medicines to regulate your baby’s heart rate, if needed
• Medications to treat maternal medical conditions, such as insulin for diabetes

Why choose Children’s Colorado for polyhydramnios treatment?

At the Colorado Fetal Care Center, you receive the best possible care throughout a high-risk pregnancy and beyond. For conditions like polyhydramnios that require a lot of monitoring, our specially trained fetal imaging specialists and maternal fetal medicine experts will provide you accurate and complete updates, along with the best care and peace of mind.

We provide advanced, personalized treatment for you and your baby, including:

• Coordinated care: We make complicated pregnancies as easy as possible for you, your baby and your whole family. That’s why your visit to our Center includes appointments with all necessary specialists on one day, in one location. Fetal and pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, geneticists, psychologists and more are there to help explain how too much amniotic fluid could affect your baby, answer your questions and offer treatment recommendations.
• Supportive environment: If your baby needs immediate care after birth, you’ll be able to stay with them and be an active part of their care. In the case of any complications, you can stay close to your baby. For babies that need more advanced care, our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) treats more babies than almost any NICU in the nation, with outcomes that rank above the national average.
• Seamless transitions: Babies’ needs don’t end at delivery. Sometimes, polyhydramnios occurs because of underlying congenital conditions or increases your baby’s risk of developmental problems. As your child grows, they have seamless access to any necessary specialty care, such as developmental pediatrics or rehabilitation, under one roof.

Contact us

Learn more about the Colorado Fetal Care Center or call 720-777-4463.

Helpful resources

• March of Dimes provides additional information about polyhydramnios, including possible causes and treatment options.
• Our NICU family resources include mental health and social support, temporary housing assistance, education and sibling support.