Topic Overview
Polyhydramnios is a condition in which there is too much fluid in the
sac surrounding the fetus (amniotic sac). It occurs in up to 5% of twin
pregnancies.1
Polyhydramnios increases the risk of:
- Premature breaking (rupture) of the amniotic
sac.
- Premature labor.
- Stillbirth.
Severe polyhydramnios may be treated with medicine, such as
indomethacin. Excess fluid is sometimes removed through a needle that is
inserted through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac
(amniocentesis).
References
Citations
- Newman RB, Rittenberg C (2008). Multiple
gestations. In RS Gibbs et al., eds., Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10th ed., pp. 220–245. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
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| Last Revised | July 8, 2011 |
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Last Revised:
July 8, 2011
Newman RB, Rittenberg C (2008). Multiple
gestations. In RS Gibbs et al., eds., Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10th ed., pp. 220–245. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins.