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July 14, 2017
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Polyhydramnios in Multiple Pregnancy


Topic Overview

Polyhydramnios is a condition in which there is too much fluid in the sac surrounding the fetus (amniotic sac). It occurs in up to 5% of twin pregnancies.1

Polyhydramnios increases the risk of:

  • Premature breaking (rupture) of the amniotic sac.
  • Premature labor.
  • Stillbirth.

Severe polyhydramnios may be treated with medicine, such as indomethacin. Excess fluid is sometimes removed through a needle that is inserted through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac (amniocentesis).

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. Newman RB, Rittenberg C (2008). Multiple gestations. In RS Gibbs et al., eds., Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10th ed., pp. 220–245. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerWilliam Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Last RevisedJuly 8, 2011

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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