Is excessive amniotic fluid likely to cause premature birth?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on January 09, 2025
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Polyhydramnios is relatively common during pregnancy and can have a certain impact on the fetus. There are many reasons that can cause polyhydramnios, but regardless of the cause, polyhydramnios tends to lead to preterm birth. When there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, it puts significant pressure on the amniotic sac, which can easily lead to premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes itself can stimulate the cervix, release inflammatory mediators, thereby causing contractions and symptoms of preterm labor. After the membranes rupture prematurely, infection within the uterine cavity is likely to occur, generally meaning that the possibility of keeping the pregnancy going for a long duration is unlikely. Therefore, polyhydramnios is associated with a higher risk of preterm labor. In clinical practice, if excessive amniotic fluid is detected during prenatal check-ups, it is advised to control the diet, engage in appropriate physical activities, or use other methods to keep the amniotic fluid level within the normal range.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Is a posterior placenta more likely to lead to premature birth?

The placenta is divided into anterior and posterior walls, with the posterior wall being a normal location for the placenta, which is unrelated [to preterm birth]. Generally, there is a hereditary tendency for preterm birth, and it is more likely to occur in individuals with certain physical constitutions or in cases of twin pregnancies. Additionally, people with gestational diabetes are also prone to preterm birth. Therefore, the posterior wall of the placenta has no correlation with preterm birth. Conditions like placenta previa or premature placental detachment are placental positions that can lead to preterm birth issues, and some people may experience preterm birth under these circumstances.

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home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
1min 7sec home-news-image

Is excessive amniotic fluid likely to cause premature birth?

Polyhydramnios is relatively common during pregnancy and can have a certain impact on the fetus. There are many reasons that can cause polyhydramnios, but regardless of the cause, polyhydramnios tends to lead to preterm birth. When there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, it puts significant pressure on the amniotic sac, which can easily lead to premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes itself can stimulate the cervix, release inflammatory mediators, thereby causing contractions and symptoms of preterm labor. After the membranes rupture prematurely, infection within the uterine cavity is likely to occur, generally meaning that the possibility of keeping the pregnancy going for a long duration is unlikely. Therefore, polyhydramnios is associated with a higher risk of preterm labor. In clinical practice, if excessive amniotic fluid is detected during prenatal check-ups, it is advised to control the diet, engage in appropriate physical activities, or use other methods to keep the amniotic fluid level within the normal range.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
1min 12sec home-news-image

How to induce lactation in premature births

The lactation induction for premature births is actually the same as for full-term births. First and foremost, it starts with the individual. Through diet, the amount of breast milk can be increased, for example, by consuming more soups, such as rice porridge, noodle soup, milk, and soy milk. Since 90% of breast milk is water, replenishing water is essential for sufficient milk supply. Additionally, it is important to keep a pleasant mood. The mother should be happy and have enough sleep, as these factors can help increase milk production. Moreover, it is important to let the baby nurse more frequently and intensively, because the act of breastfeeding stimulates the breasts as a reflex. The more frequently and the more the baby nurses, the more milk is produced through this reflex. What should one do if the baby is premature and in pediatrics? In such cases, it's necessary to pump milk every 3 hours. Pumping itself also creates stimulation that promotes milk secretion.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Preterm labor signs

Premature birth refers to delivery between 28 to 36 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy. Due to the lower body weight and immature organ development of the fetus, premature birth can lead to decreased survival rates and increased morbidity in newborns. The signs of impending premature birth include the following aspects: First, the occurrence of regular contractions, which are the most common sign of premature birth. If intermittent lower abdominal pain occurs, it should be taken seriously, and fetal heart rate monitoring may be necessary for assessment. Second, the appearance of blood in the vaginal discharge often indicates that the fetal presenting part is descending, which is also a sign of premature birth. Third, a physical examination may reveal shortening of the cervical canal and dilation of the cervix, suggesting the possibility of premature birth. When these conditions occur, they should be taken seriously, and medication may be necessary for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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How to switch from preterm formula to regular formula?

Generally, in the early stages of preterm infants, it is still necessary to feed them promptly with preterm formula. Since the gastrointestinal function of preterm infants is relatively weak, they may not be able to digest and absorb some full-term formula, which can easily increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. If the baby's development is currently good, you can switch to ordinary formula. During the transition between two formula brands, there should first be a gradual shift; you can start by mixing the two formulas, using more preterm formula and less ordinary formula. Gradually switch to the new ordinary formula brand, reducing the amount of preterm formula, allowing the baby to adapt gradually.