Low Amniotic Fluid Levels: Oligohydramnios: Causes,

Risks and Treatment

The amniotic fluid is part of the babys life support system. It protects your baby and aids in
the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. Amniotic fluid is
produced soon after the amniotic sac forms at about 12 days after conception. It is first made
up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks fetal urine becomes the
primary substance.
As the baby grows he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic
fluid. In the second trimester the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid.
In some cases the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. If the measurement of
amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid
is too high it is called polyhydramnios.

What is oligohydramnios?
Oligohydramnios is the condition of having too little amniotic fluid. Doctors can measure the
amount of fluid through a few different methods, most commonly through amniotic fluid
index (AFI) evaluation or deep pocket measurements. If an AFI shows a fluid level of less
than 5 centimeters (or less than the 5th percentile), the absence of a fluid pocket 2-3 cm in
depth, or a fluid volume of less than 500mL at 32-36 weeks gestation, then a diagnosis of
oligohydramnios would be suspected.
About 8% of pregnant women can have low levels of amniotic fluid, with about 4% being
diagnosed with oligohydramnios. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most
common during the last trimester. If a woman is past her due date by two weeks or more, she
may be at risk for low amniotic fluid levels since fluids can decrease by half once she reaches
42 weeks gestation. Oligohydramnios can cause complications in about 12% of pregnancies
that go past 41 weeks.

What causes low amniotic fluid?

Birth defects Problems with the development of the kidneys or urinary tract which could
cause little urine production, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid.
Placental problems If the placenta is not providing enough blood and nutrients to the baby,
then the baby may stop recycling fluid.
Leaking or rupture of membranes This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle
of fluid. This is due to a tear in the membrane. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
can also result in low amniotic fluid levels.
Post Date Pregnancy A post date pregnancy (one that goes over 42 weeks) can have low
levels of amniotic fluid, which could be a result of declining placental function.
Maternal Complications Factors such as maternal dehydration, hypertension,
preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels.

What are the risks of having low amniotic fluid?

The risks associated with oligohydramnios often depend on the gestation of the pregnancy.
The amniotic fluid is essential for the development of muscles, limbs, lungs, and the digestive
system. In the second trimester, the baby begins to breathe and swallow the fluid to help their
lungs grow and mature. The amniotic fluid also helps the baby develop muscles and limbs by
providing plenty of room to move around.
If oligohydramnios is detected in the first half of pregnancy, the complications can be
more serious and include:

Compression of fetal organs resulting in birth defects

Increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth

If oligohydramnios is detected in the second half of pregnancy, complications can

include:

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

Preterm birth

Labor complications such as cord compression, meconium stained fluid and

cesarean delivery

What treatments are available if I am experiencing low amniotic fluid?

The treatment for low levels of amniotic fluid is based on gestational age. If you are not full
term yet, your doctor will monitor you and your levels very closely. Tests such as non-stress
and contraction stress test may be done to monitor your babys activity. If you are close to full
term, then delivery is usually what most doctors recommend in situations of low amniotic
fluid levels.
Other treatments that may be used include:

Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This added fluid helps
with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery and is reported to help lower
the chances of a cesarean delivery.

Injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis. The condition of

oligohydramnios is reported to often return within one week of this procedure, but it
can aid in helping doctors visualize fetal anatomy and make a diagnosis.

Maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids has shown to help increase
amniotic fluid levels.