What is polyhyramnios and oligohydramnios?
Polyhydramnios occurs when there are excessive amounts of amniotic fluid or water in the womb. Usually the increase in fluid is gradual, though at times it can be acute with a sudden increase in the fluid and a marked increase in pressure on the uterus. In some cases this extra fluid may lead to preterm labor. Oligohydramnios is when the amniotic fluid level is below normal limits. This may lead to problems because the baby has less space in which to move around. It is most common in postterm pregnancy and may be associated with increased pressure on the baby’s umbilical cord.
