Definition:
Oligohydramnios is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the amount of amniotic fluid present in the gestational sac during pregnancy.
Diagnosis:
Oligohydramnios is often detected through an ultrasound showing decreased levels of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac.
Treatment:
If an underlying condition is responsible for oligohydramnios, the underlying cause must be treated first. Another priority in therapy is dealing with any placenta abnormality, which, in some cases, may require fetal surgery during pregnancy. In severe cases, the pregnancy may have to be prematurely terminated through induced labor or a Cesarian delivery.
Symptoms and Signs:
The primary clinical manifestation of oligohydramnios is the decreased levels of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman's gestational sac, often detected via an ultrasound. Along with this, certain symptoms may present as well, including: a womb size that's distinctively smaller for its gestational age; uterine contractions; and general discomfort in the abdomen. In some cases, there may also be an evident decline of fetal activity as well as a noticeable decrease in fetal heart rate. Most women with oligohydramnios will experience a relatively normal pregnancy.
Causes:
The specific cause of oligohydramnios is not known. In some cases, an underlying condition may be responsible. However, it is believed that a simple fluid leak or a small puncture of the amniotic sac is responsible for a majority of cases. In addition, the condition has been linked to factors that contribute to placenta abnormality and fetal urinary abnormality.
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