Risk of preterm birth in women with pre-amniotic fluid at 35-36 weeks

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Phuong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

Hyperhydramnios is the accumulation of excess amniotic fluid in excess of normal physiological function. Excess amniotic fluid has many potential risks for mother and baby, in which the risk of preterm birth in women with pre-amniotic fluid at 35-36 weeks is much higher than in women with normal amniotic fluid volume.

The amniotic sac is created about the 12th day after the egg is fertilized. During the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid is isotonic and similar to maternal plasma. During the second and second trimester of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid becomes hypotonic. The volume of amniotic fluid increases gradually until the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy and from there remains constant until full term. Between 37 and 41 weeks, the amniotic fluid volume decreases by 10%. From 42 weeks onwards, the amniotic fluid volume decreases very rapidly, about 33% in a week.
Amniotic fluid is considered normal when it reaches 250 - 600 ml at 16 - 32 weeks of gestation. The amount of amniotic fluid increases gradually with gestational age and by about 34 weeks of pregnancy amniotic fluid will increase to 800ml and maintain until the fetus is 36 weeks old will reach the highest level of 1000ml. After that, it will gradually decrease to about 600 - 800ml around the time before giving birth. Pregnant women have excess amniotic fluid when the amount of amniotic fluid exceeds 2000ml. To diagnose polyhydramnios, your doctor will perform an ultrasound and obtain an indirect estimate of the amniotic fluid volume. Mother was diagnosed with amniotic fluid index (A.F.I: amniotic fluid index) through ultrasound from 12-25cm. Polyhydramnios is more than 25 cm.

Excess amniotic fluid at 35 weeks and 36 weeks of amniotic fluid has a high risk of preterm birth, when the amount of amniotic fluid exceeds the highest level of normal due to the rapid growth of the abdomen, affecting the tolerance of the cervix. Too much amniotic fluid can cause the mother's uterus to become overstretched and may lead to premature birth or premature rupture of the membranes (amniotic sacs). Polyhydramnios is also associated with birth defects in the fetus. When the amniotic sac ruptures, a large amount of fluid collects in the uterus which can increase the risk of placental abruption (premature detachment) or cord prolapse (when the umbilical cord prolapses through the opening of the cervix). Polyhydramnios makes it easier for the fetus to turn which means you have a pretty high risk of having a breech birth. Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result from the gradual accumulation of amniotic fluid during the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios can cause breathing difficulties, premature birth, or other signs and symptoms. In addition, there may be minor problems in the digestive system (the fetus swallows amniotic fluid) or the urinary system (the fetus produces urine) that affects the amount of amniotic fluid in the fetus. If the first and second trimester prenatal screening tests are normal, most of these problems are temporary and won't affect the baby much.

When pregnant women have excess amniotic fluid, the abdomen is often large and stretchy. The first feeling is discomfort and breathing also becomes more difficult.
Usually pregnant women will have excess amniotic fluid from the 30th week of pregnancy, but some women can have excess amniotic fluid from the 20th week of pregnancy.
Some women have too much amniotic fluid:
Shortness of breath Swollen feet Heat Constipation Feeling your swelling is very big and heavy But these are common problems for pregnant women and not It's entirely caused by excess amniotic fluid, so it's necessary to have laboratory tests to confirm.

When there is excess amniotic fluid, childbirth still takes place normally for pregnant women. But you may have to give birth earlier than your due date due to changes in the uterus. Some women with severe hyperhydramnios may also need to be induced earlier than usual. Pregnant women can also be assigned a cesarean section if the fetus is abnormal such as: twins, complicated fetal position or horizontal pregnancy... Excess amniotic fluid usually does not endanger the life of the mother and baby if it is taken care of. attention and timely intervention. If it is mild, the mother's body naturally adjusts the amniotic fluid level during pregnancy and gives birth to a healthy, normal baby.