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Low Amniotic Fluid (Oligohydramnios) during Pregnancy
Amniotic fluid is a water-like fluid that helps in the development of the baby. It performs a lot of crucial functions that are important in keeping your baby safe while it grows in your womb, and in its proper development. Let us find out more about amniotic fluid and the causes behind the amniotic fluid becoming low in pregnant women.
What is Amniotic Fluid?
Your baby grows and develops inside a fluid-filled bag called the amniotic sac. This amniotic sac is filled with amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid cushions your baby and protects it from all sorts of infections. It also protects your baby from getting hurt if you suffer a blow to your tummy. It keeps the temperature inside the womb constant and also helps in the development of baby’s muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system.
As your baby begins to breathe in the second trimester, she will start swallowing the amniotic fluid and later pass it as urine. That's how a baby maintains the volume of amniotic fluid around herself.
What is Oligohydramnios?
Oligohydramnios is a condition where the volume of amniotic fluid inside the amniotic sac is too low. Doctors can measure the amount of amniotic fluid inside you through amniotic fluid index evaluation or deep pocket measurements. If the volume of liquid is less than 500ml in pregnant women during the 32nd to 36th week, then oligohydramnios is suspected.
Oligohydramnios is diagnosed when:
The amniotic fluid volume is less than 500 ml
The maximum vertical pocket is less than 2 cm
The amniotic fluid index is less than 5 cm
How Common is Oligohydramnios?
The percentage of women suffering from oligohydramnios is close to 8%, and it can occur at any time during pregnancy, though it is most common during the last trimester. If you are 2 weeks from your due date of delivery, then there are high chances of your amniotic fluid becoming low. 12% of pregnancies that cross 41 weeks of gestation may encounter complications due to Oligohydramnios.
What Role does Amniotic Fluid Play in the Development of the Baby?
Amniotic fluid has several functions as follows:
When the baby moves around freely in the amniotic fluid, it helps in bone and muscle development.
When the baby breathes the amniotic fluid in and out, it helps in the development of lungs.
When the baby starts swallowing the fluid and peeing it out later, it helps in the development of the digestive system.
Amniotic fluid protects the umbilical cord from getting compressed. As a result, the flow of nutrition from the mother to the baby for its overall development is constant.
The amniotic fluid also acts as a lubricant and helps in the development of fragile body parts that grow together like fingers and toes.
How Much Amniotic Fluid is Normal When Pregnant?
The volume of amniotic fluid continues to increase till the 36th week of pregnancy, and it measures anywhere between 800 to 1000 ml which are considered normal. After the 36th week gestation, the volume of amniotic fluid starts to fall in preparation for birth. The amount of amniotic fluid goes down to 600 ml by the 40th-week gestation or at full term, and that too is normal.
Common Symptoms of Low Amniotic Fluid
During your regular check-ups, your doctor will keep a close watch on your belly. If your stomach is not growing the way it should, then your doctor may ask you to go for a scan to check the development or growth of the baby. Now, that is the first symptom. Other symptoms are:
Fluctuating blood pressure
First baby born with low birth weight or smaller in size
Constant leakage of fluid from the vagina
Both mother and child not gaining enough weight
Baby’s growth is prolonged
Causes of Low Amniotic Fluid
Low levels of amniotic fluid are most common during the third trimester. The causes for the same could be any of the following:
Water-breaking: If your amniotic sac tears off and fluid flows out, it is called water breaking. This usually happens in and around the time of delivery. If you haven’t quite reached the delivery time, then your doctor may give you antibiotics to protect you and your baby from infection while you wait for the delivery date to close in. If you have crossed 38th week of pregnancy, based on your condition, the doctor may also suggest inducing labour.
Health hazard: If your baby has some health issues, then the volume of amniotic fluid may become low. Especially during the second-trimester scan, babies are diagnosed with kidney, heart or chromosomal abnormality. This becomes obvious in the scan if your baby is passing very less urine. Your doctor may also suggest another test called amniocentesis, to be sure.
Issues with placenta: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus or pre-eclampsia, then your placenta may fail to supply enough blood and nutrition to your baby. In this case, the volume of amniotic fluid in your baby may fall, and you may have to be under strict supervision.
Medication: Some medicines must be avoided during pregnancy as they cause low amniotic fluid. Especially drug for high blood pressure and anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen are not prescribed during pregnancy.
Identical twins: If identical twins share a placenta, then sometimes there may be an issue of low amniotic fluid. In this case, the baby with extra blood will get access to the amniotic fluid while the other will not get enough.
If your doctor can rule out all the above causes, then there is nothing to worry about. Many a time it has been observed that low amniotic fluid level is due to dehydration during summers. So drinking plenty of water and taking enough rest will help.
Diagnosis Methods for Oligohydramnios
Following methods can be used to detect oligohydramniosis.
Ultrasound: The best and first diagnosis for oligohydramnios is an ultrasound scan. During the ultrasound, the amniotic fluid volume is measured in four various parts of your uterus, and then all the four values are put together to regulate the amniotic fluid index or the AFI. Also, the kidneys and bladder of the baby are assessed to look for any anomalies. The ultrasound diagnosis also includes the assessment of the baby’s growth which is done by measuring abdominal circumference, head circumference and the femur length.
Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): AFI is measured through ultrasonography and is a widespread and safe test. This test helps your doctor to determine the volume of amniotic fluid in your uterus.
Sterile Speculum Examination: This test is performed by the doctors to check for a range of motion which is caused due to tear of the amniotic sac membrane, which in turn results in leakage of amniotic fluid.
Maximum Vertical Pocket: This test is used to check the volume of amniotic fluid in the thickest part of the uterus which doesn’t include a fetal portion and umbilical cord. Once again, ultrasound is used to conduct this test.
Blood Tests: Blood tests like maternal serum screening can help in the detection of low amniotic fluid. It also allows the doctor to check if your baby has any congenital problems like Down Syndrome.
Amniotic Wrinkle: If you are carrying identical twins then you may have an amniotic wrinkle which is caused by the folding of the inter-twin membrane. By checking the amniotic line properly, doctors can detect if both babies are getting enough amniotic fluid or not.
If any of the above assessments point at oligohydramnios, then a team of experts need to manage your pregnancy and delivery.
Risk Factors of Oligohydramnios
Some women are at a higher risk of oligohydramnios than other. Risk factors include the following:
High blood pressure during pregnancy
Diabetes
Problems with placenta
Lupus
Obesity
If you are facing any of these issues in pregnancy, it is wise to get yourself checked for this pregnancy complication.
How Does Low Amniotic Fluid Affect Your Baby?
There are numerous and severe problems associated with low amniotic fluid if it is diagnosed during the first and second trimester. If the same is detected in the third trimester, then the situation can be brought under control as the doctors are well equipped for handling the complications at this stage. The problems associated with low amniotic fluid are as follows:
Your baby may be born with severe congenital disabilities like missing internal or external organs or malformation of bones like dysplasia or clubfoot.
It can also result in stillbirth or in-utero death of the baby after the 20th week of pregnancy. Some babies die soon after birth.
Miscarriage after the 20th week is also one of the complications associated with the low amniotic fluid.
Babies are born prematurely before the 37th week with low birth weight and underdeveloped organs.
If oligohydramnios is diagnosed during the third trimester, when a baby may be born with limited growth, compressed umbilical cord during labour, and caesarean delivery.
Complications of Low Amniotic Fluid
Some of the severe complications or oligohydramnios effects on baby are listed below:
Foetal compression syndrome
Amniotic band syndrome
Pulmonary hypoplasia
Severe foetal infection
These complications pose a significant risk to your pregnancy and can adversely affect the baby.
Treatments for Oligohydramnios
If oligohydramnios is diagnosed in the third trimester, then the doctors are well equipped to handle it. Also, if the condition is mild, then it doesn’t require any treatment in the third trimester. The doctor will only prefer to keep you under observation for oligohydramnios management. But if oligohydramnios is diagnosed in the first or the second trimester, then the following treatments may be followed to deal with low amniotic fluid in your uterus.
Amnioinfusion: In this treatment, the doctor infuses sodium chloride in your amniotic sac through an intrauterine catheter, at room temperature.
Vesico-amniotic shunt: If the low amniotic fluid is due to your baby not being able to pass urine, then the doctor will try to divert your baby’s urine with the help of vesico-amniotic shunt. While this procedure will take care of the low amniotic fluid in your uterus, but it doesn’t ensure the effective functioning of your baby’s kidney or lungs.
Fluid Injections: This is a temporary method of treating oligohydramnios by injection fluid with the aid of amniocentesis.
Maternal Hydration: Here, the doctor advises you to drink lots of water and put you in IV and oral fluids to increase the volume of amniotic fluid. This is applicable if dehydration causes oligohydramnios.
Bed rest: If you have mild oligohydramnios, then your doctor will keep you under observation and advise you complete bed rest. Proper hydration and complete bed rest can help to increase intravascular spaces, hence making more space for amniotic fluid.
Termination of pregnancy: The worst of all may be the medical termination of pregnancy due to severe oligohydramnios during the first trimester. But it is the best for you and the baby as the baby may be born with severe and multiple defects.
Your doctor will usually involve a specialist in maternal foetal medicine to treat oligohydramnios. This is to deal with severe complications that may occur in your baby due to low amniotic fluid, like hydrops foetalis and congenital malformations.
How Can You Prevent Oligohydramnios?
Preventing oligohydramnios entirely is not possible, and few precautions during pregnancy may reduce the chances of amniotic fluid becoming low during pregnancy.
Drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated. Many cases of oligohydramnios are due to dehydration.
Eat healthy food and listen to your doctor. Consult a nutritionist if necessary.
Do not take any medicines without speaking to your doctor; not even herbal supplements or vitamins.
Exercise regularly without exerting yourself. But walking periodically or prenatal yoga is beneficial during pregnancy.
Stop smoking. It affects your baby’s lungs directly.
Keep your prenatal check-up appointments without fail. Only regular check-up and help your doctor to determine any problem or abnormalities during pregnancy.
Oligohydramnios can be mild or severe. In both cases, your doctor would like to keep you under close supervision. Keep your appointments and consult your doctor in case of the slightest doubts. Be alert and watch your pregnancy carefully.
Also Read: How to Increase and Decrease Amniotic Fluid during Pregnancy Naturally Read more
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Journey of Motherhood ( Part 1 )
The journey is hard as well as incredible !!

Ohhh...!! I am going to become mommy !😍😘❤️
My first words to my little baby was- " Hello baby, You will be calling me amma when you come out to this beautiful world"😘🤩 Isn't that exciting ?? Well, it is- journey as a mother starts. But actually, the day, a girl starts taking care of her parents, siblings, family, friends- mother in her has started growing. But we realise it only when a new life grows inside us !😄
Yes it was super exciting,the minute I realised I am going to be mom❤️ Of course, I didn't know what's in the journey though !😄
The journey was full of mixed emotions. It feels great at the same time nervous. It feels exciting as well as scary. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad. Non stop talk and sudden silence ! Sleep deprivation, anger, frustration on the other hand peaceful sleep, fun and joy ! Absolutely, its a roller coaster ride throughout !🙄😓🤪😍
Pregnancy has changed me as a person. Give more love, learn to handle multiple emotions, manage chores, work, family inspite of physical and mental stress. It's all about making mothers- strong , competent, capable more than that trust themselves and believe in their inner strength !🤩
My pregnancy journey was a beautiful and a healthy one. I was very energetic and active.
I used to read to the little one sometimes and made listen to soothing music. I even danced which was relaxing and enjoyable. Being a health coach, eating healthy was my first priority and I did follow the same. Excercise and yoga were part of my everyday activity and I didn't skip even one day without doing. Walking and talking was our routine, too. I had two small and sweet baby showers. Me and my husband loved our baby when it was inside my tummy and continue to shower with loads of love after the baby is out too ❤️
Shopping, preparing hospital bag, thinking of cute names ( of course we kept guddu as pet name so we were communicating through that name), preparing for post delivery..Ahhh..9 months got over and tada we were blessed with little princess ❤️🥰💞 I must say she dint trouble me when in tummy and not much during delivery too !
The pregnancy journey is only for 9 months but the journey as a mother is forever, the journey that never ends !💛💙💛
I have gone through so many ups and downs for the 9 months but the joy of the little one's growth inside me overcame everything !!🤩
I have always enjoyed music, dance and reading books which has helped me throughout my pregnancy !!
I am all set to start another phase of motherhood with all my love and strength !🤩😍😘 I am sure my loved ones are always there as my support !
I am all excited and definitely will soon share my experience of being actual mom😍 Read more
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Kiddie Teeth: To Save or Not To Save, A Dilemma of Parents
“Doctor just remove my son’s tooth. It keeps hurting at
night.”The most common phrase I get to hear in my daily practice.A Pediatric Dentist treats children up to 13 years of age(
the age limit changes according to the state laws worldwide). We treat both,
milk teeth as well as adult teeth.With rapid urbanization, the consumption of refined sugar in
various forms has also increased amongst kids. This has resulted in widespread
increase in dental problems of children. Kids as young as two years of age have
also been reporting decayed tooth, even before the arrival of all milk teeth in
the mouth. Often, the decay is extensive and cannot be treated with a simple
filling. In such cases, the dentists recommend a root canal treatment, followed
by a cap.Now, the dilemma sets in. Why spend so much time and money
on teeth which will anyway be replaced? And why subject my kid to a painful
dental procedure? Removing the decayed tooth sounds like an easy way out.Except that removal is the easy way out which will bear hard
consequences.First, here is a chart depicting the time of arrival and
falling of milk teeth:
Arrival Time
Shedding Time
Front teeth
(Central Incisor)
Upper: 8-12 Months
6-7 Years
Lower: 6-10 Months
6-7 Years
Front teeth present sideways
(Lateral Incisor)
Upper: 9-13 Months
7-8 Years
Lower: 10-16 Months
7-8 Years
Canine
Upper: 16-22 Months
10-12 Years
Lower: 17-23 Months
9-12 Years
Back Teeth
(First Molar)
Upper: 13-19 Months
9-11 Years
Lower: 14-18 Months
9-11 Years
Back teeth
(Second Molar)
Upper: 25-33 Months
10-12 Years
Lower: 23-31 Months
10-12 Years
As we can see, on an average, a baby tooth stays in the
mouth for 7 years. Removing these teeth prematurely leads to 1.
Problems in biting and chewing2.
In very young children, loss of teeth affects
speech development.3.
In the space formed by the removal of teeth,
remaining teeth get tilted, distorting the entire line of teeth.4.
Removal of tooth is a traumatic experience for
kids.5.
Removal of front teeth affects the child’s
appearance. Some children may become aloof or self-conscious because of missing
or crooked front teeth. A natural tooth is more valuable than a diamond. In spite of
different treatment options available, sometimes we have to remove a tooth
owing to the extent of decay it shows. Prevention of the tooth decay is an
important step in childcare. A Pediatric Dentist can give you various simple
measures to avoid tooth decay and several options to save a decayed tooth.
These days, with the advent of different pain free techniques, dentistry is no
more a traumatic experience. Kids are regularly treated worldwide with good
results. By the time the first tooth appears in the baby’s mouth, an appointment
should be made with the Pediatric Dentist to learn the ways which help in
maintaining the oral hygiene of the little one.We shall discuss the effects and treatment of premature
removal of a milk tooth in our next article.
Read more
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Marriage and Mommying With a Stay-at-Home Dad
How does marriage change when your husband becomes a stay-at-home dad? How can you help? There are many ways in which you can evaluate this situation and learn to settle into life with this role reversal.
Gone are the times when kids used to be the sole responsibility of moms. Many fathers today are trying to fill in the shoes of being the primary caretaker for the kids. Meet the new age dad!
What Does Being a Stay-at-home Dad Mean for the Family?
It can mean different things depending on perspective. For some, dads are the breadwinners and "that’s how it should be". For others, it gives moms a chance to pursue their careers and provides fathers with a ripe opportunity to really bond with their children. If your husband is a stay-at-home dad, there are some things you can do to ease his transition and give you peace of mind.
Ways you Can Help Hubby Adjust to His Stay-at-home Dad Role
1. Help Him Accept the New Challenge
Each day is a new learning experience for stay-at-home fathers. Learning to take care of children is not an easy job and it doesn’t always come naturally to guys. But, once he gets into 'mother mode', it won't be long before he takes over managing the house and kids with ease! You can help him make this transition by showing him the ropes and being there for him.
2. Teach Him How to Juggle Chores
You might have to spend some time teaching your husband what to do and what not to at home. He may not turn out be perfect at juggling chores or may not do things the way you do, but it’s completely fine as long as they’re getting done! Both of you are donning different hats and there will be a lot of changes in the equation. Just have patience and faith in each other.
The Pros and Cons of Stay-at-home Dads
If you have a higher paying job, and there’s a good opportunity that your career will take you to new heights, you may consider pursuing it to secure our children's future. If your income can support the family, your husband can step into the role of a stay-at-home parent so your children grow up to be well-rounded. Spending all day with the kids is not just fun and games either; your husband gets the privilege of watching them grow and moulding them into responsible, well-adjusted individuals.
Of course, this arrangement brings with it some degree of insecurity, discontent, loss of identity or boredom. These feelings can be experienced by both sets of parents. You’ll also notice that your marriage may change when your husband becomes a stay-at-home dad. His self-esteem might suffer, which can take a toll on your relationship. It’s up to you and him to slowly adjust to your new roles and encourage and support one another.
Irrespective of the reason for this role change, your husband’s capable of handling a lot more than you give him credit for. Men can do a good job of raising kids and taking care of the household. All that’s needed is understanding, patience, determination and love! Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. @ the time of birth baby weight 2.475kg but after completed 6weeks baby weight approx 3kg, why baby weight gain very slow, till breast-feeding milk and urinate 6-7 times and potty 2-3 times. can u please suggest why slow in progress in weight gain???
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. the average birth weight of neonates is about 3 kg.
during the first few days after birth, the newborn loses
extracellular fluid equivalent to about 10% of the body
weight.
most infants regain their birth weight by the age of 10 days. subsequently, they gain weight at a rate of
approximately 25 to 30 g per day for the first 3 months of life.
thereafter they gain about 400 g weight every month,
for the remaining part of the first year. x
an infant usually doubles his birth weight (taken as 3 kg) by the age of 5 months. the birth weight triples at 1 year and is four times at 2 years of age.
the weight of ca child at the age of three years is usually
five times that of the birth weight.
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
2 hours ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
43 mins ago
Q. Is it okay is the baby does not pass stool for one day?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
42 mins ago
A. For breastfed infants it depends on age. During the first month of life, stooling less than once a day might mean your newborn isn't eating enough. However, breastfed infants may go several days or even a week between bowel movements, using every drop they eat to make more baby, not poop.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
41 mins ago
Q. Is it okay if my baby does not pass stool for one day?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
40 mins ago
A. Yes it is ok dont worry.
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