When I was diagnosed with Polyhydramnios at 32 weeks, no one knew what it was. I did know some about it because I had wondered if I had it with my other boys. I’ve always carried large and have been told I had lots of fluid every time they broke my water. After diagnosis, I decided to do some research on polyhydramnios and find out everything I could about it.
What is polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios basically means I have high amniotic fluid levels. It only happens in 1% of pregnancies so the fact that no one had ever heard of it is no surprise. Low amniotic fluid is way more common than having excess like I do. There are different levels of how severe you are and I fall into the moderate category which is the second level up. I’m hoping that I will start to level out now instead of increasing in these last two weeks but we shall see.
What causes polyhydramnios?
There are a couple of different reasons why you can develop polyhydramnios. Usually, the first thing your doctor will check is your gestational diabetes results. Having GD typically increases your risk for polyhydramnios and for having a large baby.
Another reason is that your baby is anemic. This has nothing to do with your anemia, however, which I found very interesting. Your doctor will have an ultrasound performed to check your baby’s brain for anemia.
The last two common reasons are an esophageal issue that can’t typically be seen on ultrasound. Or the best one, no reason at all, your body is just doing it. I have fallen into the last category until little man arrives.
What Happens if you have Polyhydramnios?
If you have polyhydramnios, your doctor’s appointments will increase dramatically. I have to alternate between seeing a high risk maternal fetal medicine doctor and my regular obstetrician twice a week until I deliver. Within these appointments my weight is watched closely, I have multiple ultrasounds to check my fluid levels, growth ultrasounds, and have twice weekly non-stress tests. Believe me, my calendar blew up with appointments.
Is polyhydramnios dangerous?
When initially being diagnosed with polyhydramnios, there usually isn’t an immediate risk. As your levels increase, however, you can have trouble breathing, your baby’s umbilical cord can become compressed, and you can have possible uterine rupture from your previous c-section scars on your uterus being stretched beyond its limits. There’s an endless list of complications that can happen during labor because of those high fluid levels as well.
Oh wow. I had no idea this was a thing. I’m glad you’re doing okay. It must be scary to get the news.
Oh, wow! I’m one of those who has never heard of this before. How scary (and uncomfortable) it must be!
I have to admit Polyhydramnios isn’t something I have heard of before. It is great to read more about it from someone who has been through it, I am sure this will be a huge help to others.
A very well-written post, explaining what Polyhydramnios is. I can see why it’s not relatively heard of because it affects such a small percentage of the pregnant women population. I’m glad they found out when they did, and that there are steps to monitoring it.
I have never heard of this before. I know of someone with low amniotic fluid. I hope you level out as well so nothing drastic needs to happen.
I had a friend that has something like this and had a healthy and happy baby! I am sure you will too!
I have never heard of this it sounds like it can be scary. It also sounds like you have done a lot of research on this and you know what you’re doing. Congratulations on the baby and I am sure everything will be great.
Wow! How scary. It’s good that it’s been diagnosed, tho, and you are monitored very closely. I had high blood pressure when I was pregnant.
Even after three pregnancies, I’ve never heard of this. I’m glad that they were able to catch it and hope that everything will work out ok for you!
This is definitely something that pregnant women should look out for. It’s good to make sure that you know your body and it’s definitely going to help you determine if something is off. This is very good information.
I had never heard of this before reading your post but oh my goodness, I hope everything will stay being okay for you. It’s so scary all the different conditions that can happen during pregnancy isn’t it. Take care of yourself x
Wow! That’s scary and something that should definitely be watched for and monitored. There are so many complications that can happen with pregnancy and we’re lucky to have medical care and doctors who know how to discover and monitor things like this for healthy babies. Thanks so much for sharing!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this before. I’m glad that you share this with us. It’s nice to know more about this now. I love that you shared more info and explained more about what this is. I would have never known if I wouldn’t have read this.
I have never heard of polyhyrdamnios before now! I am so glad you found out about it. The more you know the better you are equipped to understand everything when you are pregnant!
I am getting ready to have a little one as well but I’m not as far along as you are. This is very interesting and I had no idea!
Oh my! I have never heard of this and i am so glad you are doing okay now.
I was diagnosed with this as well! It turned my easy pregnancy into a very difficult one! I couldn’t sit comfortably because I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes because the weight pulled on my ligaments and they would hurt soooooo much! I pretty much lived the beached whale life on my side with a pillow propped under my enormous belly. It was hard to believe I only had a 6.3 lb baby at birth! But I actually enjoyed my weekly NSTs seeing my crazy girl in all the fluid! Haha She scared me a few times with all her flipping from head down to breech though… I wish you all the luck for a safe labor and delivery!!
I’ve never heard of this. I’m glad you’re okay. It must be scary to find out about something like this!