Patient's question:
My wife is pregnant. Recently, an ultrasound showed the following: 30 weeks pregnant, amniotic fluid index of 25 cm. Could the doctor confirm if it's too much amniotic fluid and what are the risks? How can it be protected?Doctor's answer:
Hydramnios: Hello, your condition is considered to be hydramnios. It is generally more common in pregnant women with diabetes, ABO blood group incompatibility, preeclampsia, acute hepatitis, severe anemia, etc. Approximately 18%-40% of cases are associated with fetal malformations, with central nervous system and digestive system malformations being the most common. Multiple pregnancies and macrosomia are also prone to cause hydramnios.Management: When the pregnant woman experiences severe symptoms that are unbearable, treatment should be initiated. If the gestational age is less than 37 weeks, amniotic fluid should be aspirated, with no more than 1500 mL being removed at one time, and the speed should not be too fast. Indomethacin can be taken orally, but it should not be used for long periods. The primary disease should be actively treated. If fetal malformations are confirmed, it is recommended to terminate the pregnancy promptly, which can be done through artificial rupture of membranes induction. For milder symptoms, the malformations can be tolerated, with attention to bed rest and a low-sodium diet. Sedatives may be used as needed, and the changes in amniotic fluid volume should be closely monitored.