PolyhydramniosSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios occurs when too much amniotic fluid builds up during pregnancy. It is also called amniotic fluid disorder, or hydramnios.
Pregnancy - polyhydramnios; Hydramnios - polyhydramnios
Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb (uterus). It comes from the baby's kidneys and developing urinary system, and then it goes into the uterus from the baby's urine. The fluid is absorbed when the baby swallows it and through breathing motions.
While in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. It surrounds and cushions the infant during pregnancy. The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Then the amount slowly decreases until the baby is born.
The amniotic fluid:
- Allows the baby to move in the womb, promoting muscle and bone growth
- Helps the baby's lungs to develop
- Protects the baby from heat loss by keeping the temperature constant
- Cushions and protects the baby from sudden blows from outside the womb
Polyhydramnios can occur if the baby does not swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This can happen if the baby has certain health problems, including:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as duodenal atresia, esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, and diaphragmatic hernia
- Brain and nervous system problems, such as anencephaly and myotonic dystrophy
- Achondroplasia
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
- Fetal viral or bacterial infections
It can also happen if the mother has poorly-controlled diabetes.
Polyhydramnios also may occur if too much fluid is produced. This may be due to:
- Certain lung disorders in the baby
- Multiple pregnancy (for example, twins or triplets)
- Hydrops fetalis in the baby
- Placental abnormalities
Sometimes, no specific cause is found.
Contact your health care provider if you are pregnant and notice that your belly is getting large very quickly.
Your provider measures the size of your belly at every visit. This shows the size of your womb. If your womb is growing faster than expected, or it is larger than normal for your baby's gestational age, the provider may:
- Have you come back sooner than normal to check it again
- Do an ultrasound of your womb
If your provider finds a birth defect, you may need amniocentesis to test for a genetic variant in your baby.
Mild polyhydramnios that shows up later in pregnancy often doesn't cause serious problems.
Severe polyhydramnios may be treated with medicine or by having extra fluid removed.
Women with polyhydramnios are more likely to go into early labor. The baby will need to be delivered in a hospital. That way, the providers can immediately check the health of the mother and baby and give treatment if needed.
The Delaware Center For Maternal And Fetal Medicine Of Christiana Care
Suneet Chauhan is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in Newark, Delaware. Dr. Chauhan is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyhydramnios. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Small for Gestational Age, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Intraventricular Hemorrhage of the Newborn, Hysterectomy, and Salpingo-Oophorectomy. Dr. Chauhan is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology.
Office
Michael Belfort is a Neonatologist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Belfort is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyhydramnios. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Myelomeningocele, Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Placenta Previa, Hysterectomy, and Endoscopy.
Allina Health System
Rachel Pilliod is a Neonatologist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Pilliod is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyhydramnios. She is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Polyhydramnios, Hydrops Fetalis, Fetal Edema, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, and Bladder Reconstruction.
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder of pregnancy associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity. Lactation has been suggested to improve maternal glucose metabolism, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of future glucose intolerance. However, evidence regarding the protective effect of lactation on the development of GDM in subsequent pregnancies ...
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with significant maternal and fetal complications. The standard diagnostic test for GDM is the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, pregnant women who have undergone bariatric surgery may not tolerate OGTT due to dumping syndrome and gastrointestinal side effects. This creates diagnostic challenges in this specific population. The a...
Published Date: May 22, 2025
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Acharya KK, Sprecher AJ, Cohen SS. The fetus. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 117.
Buhimschi CS, Mesiano S, Muglia LJ. Pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 7.
Lamale-Smith LM, Pinson KA. Amniotic fluid disorders. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 28.