Oligohydramnios

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 8 May 2023

Oligohydramnios refers to a situation where the amniotic fluid volume is less than expected for gestational age. Often these fetuses have <500 mL of amniotic fluid. When there is almost no amniotic fluid present, this is termed anhydramnios.

The estimated prevalence can be up to ~6% of pregnancies 4.

The causes of oligohydramnios are protean and one way to simplify them is by using the mnemonic DRIPPC:

Several sonographic criteria can be used which include:

The development of oligohydramnios early in pregnancy is generally a poor prognostic marker. Amnio-infusion can be attempted in severe cases if appropriate.

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