Polyhydramnios, third trimester digital illustration

Polyhydramnios, third trimester Save


ICD-10 code: O40.3

Chapter: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

Polyhydramnios in the Third Trimester: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Polyhydramnios is a condition in which there is too much amniotic fluid in the uterus during pregnancy. It can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it is most commonly diagnosed in the third trimester. In some cases, polyhydramnios can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery, so it is important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

  1. Causes: Polyhydramnios can have a variety of causes, including:
    • Fetal abnormalities or genetic disorders
    • Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (a condition that occurs when one twin receives too much blood flow and the other twin receives too little)
    • Maternal diabetes
    • Maternal obesity
    • Maternal hypertension
  2. Symptoms: The most common symptom of polyhydramnios is a larger-than-normal uterus. Other symptoms can include:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Swelling in the legs
    • Difficulty eating or digesting food
    • Heartburn
  3. Treatments: Treatment for polyhydramnios will depend on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the condition is severe, treatment options can include:
    • Amnioreduction (a procedure to remove excess amniotic fluid)
    • Medications to reduce amniotic fluid production
    • Delivery of the baby

If you suspect that you may have polyhydramnios, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can perform an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and help you determine the best course of treatment. Remember, early detection and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.