Expert: Catherine Beier MS CBE - 5/8/2008

Question
I was diagnosed with oligohydramnios after an ultrasound at 30.5 weeks. This is my second child and my second diagnosis of the same thing. My son was born on his due date by emergency c-section, therefore my daughter is a scheduled section. My doctor administered steroid shots yesterday and today to promote lung development. How much of a chance is there that my daughter will be born early? What is the most common time frame for delivery for women with this condition? Will my daughter have to be in the NICU for oxygen like my son was?

Answer
Amy,

The answers to your question will depend on how severe the oligohydraminos, or low amniotic fluid volume, is and its cause.  


In most cases, a c-section is not needed and the baby does not have complications with breathing.  Amnioinfusion, where fluid is flushed into the uterus to supplement the amniotic fluid, can be performed during labor to supplement the AFV, which results in better outcomes for the baby and lowers the rates of surgical delivery.


The c-section itself is most likely what led to your son's respiratory problems, not necessarily the oligohydraminos, as babies born by c-section are four times as likely to have respiratory complications..  


The best way to avoid complications at birth is to undergo weekly BioPhysical Profiles which consists of a ultrasound and fetal monitoring to ensure that your daughter is still doing well in utero.  As long as these results are reassuring, there should be little need to take her early.


Oligohydraminos is not usually associated with spontaneous pre-term birth.  More often, the baby is delivered early by induction or c-section if the placenta is showing signs of degrading or the baby is showing signs of fetal distress.


Best,
Catherine