Silvia Azaña, an embryologist at inviTRA, talks to us in the following video about the consequences of having low amniotic fluid during pregnancy:
Oligohydramnios is the medical term used to describe a condition where the amniotic sac contains a reduced volume of amniotic fluid, an amount that is less than what is considered normal for the gestational age.
The consequences of oligohydramnios, which refers to low amniotic fluid, will vary depending on the cause, the level of severity and the particular stage of pregnancy in which it occurs.The leading factors contributing to the decline of amniotic fluid during pregnancy might include abnormalities in the fetal urinary system or other fetal abnormalities, restriction of intrauterine growth, cytomegalovirus infection of the fetus, prolonged pregnancy, post-term pregnancy, early membrane rupture challenges and irregularities found in the placenta, high blood pressure and certain medications such as ibuprofen.
Despite this, the causes of oligohydramnios can sometimes remain unknown. Oligohydramnios is usually asymptomatic and the woman will not notice any symptoms.
Occasionally, a woman might feel fetal movements that are not as active or are fewer than expected.
In contrast, if premature rupture of membranes has occurred, the woman will experience a loss of amniotic fluid.
It is true that oligohydramnios may be suspected when the uterus is smaller than expected for the gestational age. Nonetheless, the process of diagnosing oligohydramnios involves measuring the amniotic fluid index through ultrasound. The diagnosis is made when the measurement is less than 5 cm, which leads the specialist to request a series of tests from the pregnant woman to try to determine the causes.Following the diagnosis of oligohydramnios, regular ultrasound examinations will be scheduled to closely monitor both the baby's growth and the amniotic fluid index, along with additional tests to evaluate the baby's heart rate. However, it will be important to address and manage the cause that is producing it if it is known.
Additionally, it may be recommended that the pregnant woman rest and increase her fluid intake.
On the other hand, the specialist will also assess the best time for delivery based on the specific situation.
