What is Oligohydramnios in Pregnancy?

Description of the Disease

Oligohydramnios in pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnant woman has a significantly lower than normal amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. This can lead to various complications for both the mother and the fetus.

Classification

• Oligohydramnios I degree: the level of amniotic fluid is at the lower limit of normal;
• Oligohydramnios II degree: the level of amniotic fluid is below the lower limit of normal;
• Oligohydramnios III degree: the level of amniotic fluid is critically low.

Symptoms

Symptoms of oligohydramnios may include fetal growth restriction, low amniotic fluid levels on ultrasound, fetal anomalies, and premature labor.

Causes

The causes of oligohydramnios can be diverse, including placental pathologies, maternal chronic diseases, infections, and preeclampsia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of oligohydramnios is performed using ultrasound and monitoring of amniotic fluid levels.

Treatment

Treatment of oligohydramnios depends on the degree and cause of the condition. It may include medical therapy, amniotic fluid injections, and the introduction of protein or amino acids into the uterus.

Prevention

Prevention of oligohydramnios includes regular visits to the doctor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, early diagnosis, and treatment of infections during pregnancy.

Physician

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of oligohydramnios is called a perinatologist.