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Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios


Polyhydramnios

Definition:

Polyhydramnios is the presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.



Considerations:

Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. Decreased or excessive amounts of amniotic fluid may be associated with abnormalities in the fetus.

Polyhydramnios may result from failure of the fetus to swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This may occur as a result of gastrointestinal disorders, neurological problems, or a variety of other causes. Polyhydramnios may also be related to increased fluid production, as is the case with certain fetal lung disorders.

Sometimes, no specific cause for polyhydramnios is found.



Common Causes:



Review Date: 12/1/2005
Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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