Amniotic fluid is the fluid that supports fetus during pregnancy. It is produced after 15 days of conception and helps in movement of the baby inside the womb. In first few weeks, mother produces the essential fluid in the form of water. During first trimester amniotic fluid contains some essential components also like fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
A baby drinks this essential fluid around for 12 weeks of pregnancy. With progress in pregnancy, the amniotic fluid level also increases but it starts decreasing slightly in the later course.
The most important role of amniotic fluid is to protect the baby against physical shocks. It even aids in the development of baby. It maintains the body temperature of the baby inside the womb. The level of amniotic fluid varies, it may become either too high or too low during pregnancy. If level becomes very high then this stage is termed as polyhydramnios. If level becomes very low then this stage is termed as oligohydramnios. It is possible to treat low amniotic fluid pregnancy. If it is not treated properly then it can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects.
Meaning of oligohydramnios
Oligohydramnios is the condition where level of amniotic fluid becomes very low during full term pregnancy. Level of amniotic fluid is measured through a special technique termed as amniotic fluid index. If level of amniotic fluid is measured less than 5 percent then it becomes necessary to give treatment for oligohydramnios. Around eight percent women are suffering from the problem of low amniotic fluid. This problem can arise at any time interval during pregnancy. But most commonly it occurs in the last trimester of the pregnancy. Oligohydramnios can cause serious problem for the expectant lady if it is not treated properly.
Cause of Oligohydramnios
Low urine production due to some problem in kidney is the main cause of low amniotic fluid. If placenta is not enough capable in providing essential nutrients to the body then it can cause low amniotic fluid problem. Rupture of membranes or leaking can also be the reason for low amniotic fluid. The pregnancy that continues for more than 40 weeks can result into low amniotic fluid. Some medical complications like headache, blood pressure etc. can lower down the level of amniotic fluid in your body. Before consuming any drugs or supplements, you should not forget to consult with expert doctor. Some drugs can create serious complications during pregnancy.
Risks Associated with Low amniotic Fluid level
As we already know, amniotic fluid is essential for proper growth of the baby. Its deficiency can make your child physically or mentally weak. It can also affect the breathing system of your baby. Premature labor and miscarriage problem are the common risks associated with the low amniotic fluid level.
Treatment for the Low Amniotic Fluid level
Treatment depends on the pregnancy stage. If you suffer from low amniotic fluid problem at an early stage then different treatment is given for you. If you are at the full term then situation is not so much critical for the expectant lady. You should not take much stress during pregnancy. Stress is the biggest reason for various pregnancy complications.
If your amniotic fluid level is low then extra fluid is inserted from outside for maintaining the fluid level. This extra fluid helps in normal delivery and also minimizes the pregnancy complications to a great extent. Women suffering from low amniotic fluid should consume liquid fluid in a large quantity. She should also make necessary changes in her diet.