An overview of hydramnios.
Hydramnios, defined as a volume of amniotic fluid in excess of 2,000 mL, is frequently diagnosed in contemporary obstetric practice by ultrasound. A pocket of amniotic fluid in excess of 8 cm X 1 cm is a satisfactory upper limit of normal volume using ultrasound. The etiology of hydramnios is not clear cut, but there is a significant 20% association with fetal anomaly. Maternal complications are rare, while fetal complications are usually related to an underlying anomaly or preterm birth. There is no specific treatment for hydramnios apart from drainage, which should be performed if maternal symptoms are sufficiently distressing. Perinatal outcome is generally determined by gestation at delivery or fetal anomaly.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006831:Polyhydramnios / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy