1. In oligohydramnios, amniotic fluid appears viscous, cloudy, and dark green. The expectant mother's abdomen becomes highly sensitive, prone to contractions.
2. During prenatal checkups, fundal height and abdominal circumference measure smaller than those of mothers at the same gestational age, with restricted fetal movement within the uterus.
3. Oligohydramnios increases the risk of intrauterine fetal death during pregnancy and fetal distress during delivery, complicating surgical procedures and significantly impacting postnatal care challenges.
Oligohydramnios carries significant risks for the fetus and is therefore closely monitored by obstetricians. What causes this condition?
1. Fetal malformations: Often associated with congenital urinary tract issues, leading to oliguria or anuria in the fetus and resulting in low amniotic fluid.
2. Post-term pregnancy: Toward the end of gestation, placental aging causes amniotic fluid volume to gradually decrease.
3. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): Occasionally, oligohydramnios results from fetal growth restriction. The baby may not exhibit obvious abnormalities but grows more slowly than peers at the same gestational age. This is generally associated with maternal malnutrition or viral infections.