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May 24, 2013
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Polyhydramnios in Multiple Pregnancy


Polyhydramnios in Multiple Pregnancy

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).

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

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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