What diseases may be associated with polyhydramnios?
Mar 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Polyhydramnios may be associated with fetal malformations, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, chromosomal abnormalities, chorioangioma, and other conditions. If any abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, follow a balanced diet, engage in appropriate physical activity, undergo regular prenatal examinations, and adhere to professional medical advice to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Excessive amniotic fluid may be associated with fetal malformations, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, chromosomal abnormalities, chorioangioma, and other conditions. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Fetal Malformations
Fetal malformations are one of the common causes of polyhydramnios. Common fetal malformations include neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida, as well as structural abnormalities of the digestive tract such as esophageal or duodenal atresia. These malformations can cause impaired fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid, leading to excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid.
2. Gestational Hypertension
There is a certain association between polyhydramnios and gestational hypertension. Excessive amniotic fluid can increase intrauterine pressure, leading to placental ischemia and hypoxia, which may trigger gestational hypertension. However, the occurrence of gestational hypertension results from multiple contributing factors, and polyhydramnios is not the sole cause.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is closely related to polyhydramnios. When a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes, high blood glucose levels pass through the placenta to the fetus, causing fetal hyperglycemia, which leads to hyperosmolar diuresis and increased transplacental membrane exudation, resulting in polyhydramnios. In addition, gestational diabetes may also impair the fetal swallowing function, further exacerbating the accumulation of amniotic fluid.
4. Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities are also a common cause of polyhydramnios. Common chromosomal abnormalities include trisomy 18, trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), and trisomy 13. These abnormalities may impair the fetus's ability to swallow amniotic fluid, resulting in excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid.
5. Chorioangioma
Chorioangioma is a benign placental lesion. When the tumor diameter exceeds 1 cm, some pregnant women may develop polyhydramnios. Chorioangioma may disrupt the fluid exchange between mother and fetus, leading to an imbalance in amniotic fluid production and absorption, thus causing polyhydramnios.
Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, follow a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, undergo regular prenatal checkups, and follow professional medical advice to ensure maternal and fetal health.
