When the amount of amniotic fluid is below normal (oligohydramnios), it can have negative effects on the baby. If this amniotic fluid deficiency occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, oligohydramnios can cause lung immaturity or lead to a miscarriage.
If the amount of amniotic fluid is low during the second trimester, fetal growth will be affected. Additionally, if this situation occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, the risk of umbilical cord compression increases. As a consequence, the baby's oxygenation and heart rate could be affected.
Read the full article on: Oligohydramnios: causes, diagnosis and treatment in pregnancy ( 47).
By Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Rut Gómez de Segura M.D. (gynecologist), Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Cristina Algarra Goosman B.Sc., M.Sc. (psychologist).
Last Update: 07/02/2025