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.
Center For Complex Obstetric Medicine
Teresa Sparks is a Neonatologist practicing medicine in San Francisco, California. Dr. Sparks is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Polyhydramnios. She is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Fetal Edema, Hydrops Fetalis, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, and Alpha Thalassemia. Dr. Sparks is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, American Board Of OB/Gyn/Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and American Board Of Medical Genetics And Genomics, Clinical Genetics And Genomics. Dr. Sparks is currently accepting new patients.
Minnesota Perinatal Physicians PA
Rachel Pilliod is a Palliative Medicine specialist and a Neonatologist 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. Dr. Pilliod is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, and Maternal And Fetal Medicine:. Dr. Pilliod is currently accepting new patients.
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 16 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. Dr. Chauhan is currently accepting new patients.
Summary: The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to compare metformin and glyburide for controlling blood sugar in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who require treatment with oral medication. The main question the study aims to answer is: Q: Is treatment failure less common with metformin or glyburide in pregnant women with GDM? The study will include 92 pregnant women aged 18-...
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 ...
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.
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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.