How to Reduce Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy: Tips to Try

During pregnancy, the baby inside the mother’s womb develops inside a sac called the amniotic sac. Inside it, there is a liquid that serves as protection called the amniotic fluid. The amount of amniotic fluid inside the sac generally varies from each mother. However, there are still times when it becomes either excessive or even not enough. Here’s how to reduce amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 

Different Types of Amniotic Fluid Problems

The amount of amniotic fluid is not the same for all mothers. However, the average normal amount is around 500 mL. Too much or too little could indicate that there is a possible problem that can put both the mother and the baby at risk.

The causes of amniotic fluid problems can vary from lack of liquid/water intake of the mother, maternal diabetes, infections, and other placental issues.

Here are the two types of amniotic fluid problems that you should look out for if you are an expecting parent:

Oligohydramnios

Oligohydramnios is a type of amniotic fluid problem where there’s low amniotic fluid inside the sac compared to normal. The amniotic fluid serves as the cushion for the baby inside the womb, but it also reflects the amount of urine the baby is passing while they are still developing.

If there’s a low amniotic fluid and the mother is already more than 36 weeks pregnant, then that is a cause for concern and the doctor might suggest a C-section delivery as soon as possible. 

Polyhydramnios 

This is another amniotic fluid problem where, on the other hand, instead of having a low amount of amniotic fluid, there’s an excess of it inside the sac. Polyhydramnios can cause the mother’s uterus to grow abnormally large.  

Usually, if a mother gets diagnosed with polyhydramnios, it is not that serious and it is just a result of your baby gradually growing inside her uterus.

But if the fluid present inside the amniotic sac is indeed abnormally excessive, then that can be an immediate cause for concern since it can threaten both the mother and the infant’s lives. You should immediately consult your doctor and ask for possible ways on how to reduce amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

These are some of the symptoms that you should watch out for:

• Frequent contractions in the uterus
• Bigger measurements of size compared to the normal gestational age
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in the stomach
• Heavier maternal weight gain

What are the Potential Risks?

Amniotic fluid problems can cause various health risks too. Although most of the time, these case cases are just mild, it is still important to consult your doctor and ask for their opinion.

The common risk that either type of amniotic fluid problem pose is the increased chances of the mother experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth. The amniotic acid, more than just being a cushion and protection for the baby, also helps in circulating the nutrients exchange between the mother and the infant.

Here are some other potential risks that they could face with various amniotic fluid problems:

For oligohydramnios

• Premature birth
• Lack of oxygen supply for the baby
• Higher chances of the infant developing cerebral palsy
• Growth restriction
• Underdeveloped lungs

For polyhydramnios

• Placental abruption
• Excessive bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Umbilical cord prolapse (umbilical cord descends first before the baby)
• Urinary tract infections

What are the Possible Treatments?

If you suspect or when your doctor diagnoses you with any type of amniotic fluid problem, the next question is what are the possible or treatments or how to reduce amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

Listed below are some of the ways that you can look into to treat this type of pregnancy complication:

Frequent checkups. It is important for your healthcare provider to closely monitor you and your baby’s condition and vital signs once you have been diagnosed with an amniotic fluid problem.  

Amniocentesis. This is a procedure where a needle is inserted through the uterus to release amniotic fluid out of the amniotic sac. This procedure does not pose that many risks and is usually what doctors would recommend against polyhydramnios.

 Increased fluid and water intake. If the doctor diagnoses you with oligohydramnios, they might recommend you to up your fluid and water intake so that your baby will also be hydrated more and increase their urination inside the sac.

Immediate delivery. If the condition seems to be too severe, the doctor might opt for immediate delivery of the infant, most probably through C-section.

Key Takeaways

Being aware of the potential problems that come along with pregnancy is very important for any expecting parent. This, of course, includes the amniotic sac and fluid that serves as the protection for your baby as it grows inside the womb.

That is why knowing how to reduce amniotic fluid during pregnancy, the possible treatments that a mother can get, and being aware of its causes is ideal. But, at the end of the day, it is still important to consult your doctor.

Learn more about Pregnancy Complications here. 

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