Nursing NUR201 Lecture 31: Difference between Hydramnios and Oligohydramnios
13 Jun 2016
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Document Summary
The usual amount of amniotic fluid during pregnancy is 500 to 1000 ml at term. Excess fluid of more than 2000 ml is considered hydramnios. Too much amniotic fluid might cause fetal mal-presentation, premature rupture of membranes, infection due to prom, and preterm birth. The first sign of hydramnios is rapid enlargement of the uterus. There is also a difficulty in palpating the small parts of the fetus because the uterus is unusually tense. Fetal heart rate auscultation can be also difficult because of the increased amount of fluid surrounding the fetus. The woman may develop extreme shortness of breath as the uterus presses up her diaphragm. Poor venous return would result to lower extremity varicosities and hemorrhoids. An ultrasound would determine the presence of hydramnios and also the reason for the excessive amount of fluid. A woman with hydramnios would be advised to take bed rest to increase uteroplacental circulation and reduce the pressure on the cervix.
