PREGNANCY DAYS For most pregnant women, carrying a baby to term is largely a mysterious process. This section helps new parents answer some of the most important questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS in Pregnancy

Oligohydramnios means having too little amniotic fluid in your womb. Incidence varies from 0.5% to 5% depending on the volume of fluid considered.

What can be the cause?

• Pre-term, premature leakage of membranes
• Hypertention
• Autoimmune disorders
• Your baby is 'small for dates'
• fetal anomalies especially renal tract disorders
• Maternal hydration and fetal presentation can also affect the fluid volume
• Post datism and
• Late pregnancies
• THE COMMON FETAL ANOMALIES ASSOCIATED WITH OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS IS BILATERAL RENAL AGENESIS,MULTICYSTIC DYSPLASTIC KIDNEYS,BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION,INFANTILE POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Medications

Certain drugs may cause oligohydramnios. ACE inhibitors, which are used for management of high blood pressure, should be avoided in pregnancy as they affect the baby's kidney function.

Certain drugs used to postpone premature labour such as indomethacin or even ibuprofen may also affect the kidney function of the baby. Talk to your doctor if you need to use these medications during your pregnancy.

EFFECTS ON THE FETUS AND PREGNANCY

• Increased perinatal mortality and morbidity
• Fetal anomalies due to pressure symptoms like potter facies (flattened nose,prominent epicanthal folds,and low set ears)
• Meconeum aspiration syndrome in the newborn
• Intrauterine growth retardation
• Malpresentations and
• Dry itchy skin in the newborn

Oligohydramnios is rare in first and the second trimester but in the third trimester if the fetus is compromised ,one may have to induce labor.most of the times if presented earlier, one may have to terminate the pregnancy also.