Glossary | Polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios is when you have too much amniotic fluid around your baby. Amniotic fluid is essentially sterile baby urine. It is produced by your baby_s kidneys and provides protection for your baby. Polyhydramnios often happens during the second half of the pregnancy. It is most likely due to you having higher than normal sugar levels in your body or less likely, the presence of a malformation in your baby. In many cases, there isn't a good explanation for it. Polyhydramnios will stretch the uterus making your body think that you are further along than you really are. This can cause preterm labor which can lead to a premature delivery of your baby. If your amniotic level is very high and there is a risk for you to deliver your baby early, you may be offered a medication called Indomethacin (Indocin�) to decrease the amniotic fluid level. You may also be offered an amniocentesis in order to remove the excessive fluid.