“Nisi Dominus Frustra”

Tunga-tunga, Maasin City, Southern Leyte

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

VIII. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Oligohydramnios is a disorder of amniotic fluid resulting in decreased amniotic

fluid volume for gestational age. Low amniotic fluid volumes can be the result of
numerous maternal, fetal, or placental complications and can lead to poor fetal
outcomes. Oligohydramnios is when you have too little amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is
the fluid that surrounds your baby while they're in your body before birth. Your baby
needs amniotic fluid to grow. This watery fluid is inside the amniotic sac (membrane).
It’s sometimes called the bag of waters. Your baby stays in this fluid throughout your
pregnancy. This helps protect your baby and allows them to move and kick during
development. Amniotic fluid also helps your baby’s lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal
(GI) tract grow. It’s very important for your baby’s development.

Oligohydramnios can happen at any time during pregnancy, but it’s most
common in the last trimester (last 3 months). The risk of having oligohydramnios
increases for people who are at least 2 weeks past their due dates. This is because the
amount of amniotic fluid usually decreases by that time. In general, the earlier it
happens during pregnancy, the higher the risk to the baby.
 “Nisi Dominus Frustra”
Tunga-tunga, Maasin City, Southern Leyte
COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
Amniotic sac is a thin-walled sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The
sac is filled with liquid made by the fetus (amniotic fluid) and the membrane that covers
the fetal side of the placenta (amnion). This protects the fetus from injury, it also helps
to regulate the temperature of the fetus.

Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby
(fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac. While in the womb, the
baby floats in the amniotic fluid. The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest about 34 weeks
(gestation) into the pregnancy, when it averages 800 mL. Approximately 600 mL of
amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation).

The amniotic fluid constantly moves (circulates) as the baby swallows and
“inhales” the fluid, and then release it.

The amniotic fluid helps:

 The developing baby to move in

the womb, which allows for
proper bone growth.
 The lungs to develop properly
 Keep a relatively constant
temperature around the baby,
protecting from heat loss.
 Protect the baby from outside
injury by cushioning sudden
blows or movements.

An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is called

polyhydramnios. This condition can occur with multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets),
congenital anomalies (problems that exist when the baby is born), or gestational
diabetes.
 “Nisi Dominus Frustra”
Tunga-tunga, Maasin City, Southern Leyte
COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

An abnormally small amount of amniotic fluid is known as oligohydramnios. This

condition may occur with the late pregnancies, ruptured membranes, placental
dysfunction, or fetal abnormalities.

Abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid may cause the health care provider to watch
the pregnancy more carefully. Removal of a sample of the fluid, through amniocentesis,
can provide information about the sex, health, and development of the fetus.

Causes of Oligohydramnios:

1. Decreased Fetal Urine Production:

 Fetal kidney problems or abnormalities.

2. Decreased Amniotic Fluid Recycling:

 Issues with fetal swallowing or breathing.

3. Maternal Factors:

 Dehydration, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or certain medications.

4. Placental Insufficiency:

 Impaired blood flow to the placenta.