Oligohydramnios

How to Say It: oh-lig-oh-HI-dram-knee-ohs

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Oligohydramnios is a lower than normal level of amniotic fluid. This fluid supports and protects the baby. It also helps with growth. Low levels can lead to problems for the baby and mother.

Fetus in Utero, Amniotic Fluid

Causes

In some people, the cause is not known. In others, it may be due to:

Birth defects
Problems with the fetus's urinary system
A problem with the placenta
A tear in the amniotic sac
Pregnancy that lasts past the due date
Problems in the mother, such as fluid loss, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Problems from some medicines

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

Pregnancy past the due date
Health problems in the mother
Growth problems in the baby

Symptoms

Some people do not have symptoms. Others may notice a gush of fluid from the vagina. The fluid may also leak out slowly.

The mother’s belly may also be smaller than it should be.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

An ultrasound will be done to view the womb and fetus.

A measure of the amniotic fluid will be done. It will help to find out if the level is not normal.

Treatment

The doctor will watch the mother and baby closely. The mother will need to drink more fluids. Tests will also be done to make sure the fluid level does not drop more. This may be all that is needed.

Some mothers may need:

Amnioinfusion—Fluid is injected into the space around the baby
Induced birth after 34 weeks

Prevention

This problem cannot always be prevented. Proper prenatal care can help to find problems before they happen.

RESOURCES:

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

American Pregnancy Association
http://americanpregnancy.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
https://sogc.org

References:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 175: Ultrasound in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2016 Dec;128(6):e241.

Amniotic fluid abnormalities. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/amniotic-fluid-abnormalities. Accessed August 24, 2021.

Low amniotic fluid levels: Oligohydramnios. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 24, 2021.

Oligohydramnios. March of Dimes website. Available at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/oligohydramnios.aspx. Accessed August 24, 2021.

Prenatal ultrasound screening. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/prenatal-ultrasound-screening. Accessed August 24, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardBeverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 8/24/2021

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