Testing for this complication is done through ultrasound. The amniotic fluid in four different sections of the uterus is measured and totaled up. If the total falls between 5 cm and 25 cm, the levels are considered normal, but anything below 5 cm is considered too low. If a pregnant woman is found to have oligohydramnios, drinking plenty of water, eating well and getting a lot of rest have been shown to sometimes help boost levels.
In normal pregnancies, babies naturally regulate the fluid levels by ingesting the fluid and then passing it by urinating it out. If a pregnant woman is found to have low levels of amniotic fluid, it may indicate a problem with the fetus, including: unusually large kidneys, undeveloped kidneys, a blockage in the urinary tract, or a congenital heart defect. Amniocentesis and high resolution ultrasound can help detect these defects. Low amniotic fluid in the first and second trimester is quite rare, but becomes more common towards the end of pregnancy.
Responsibility of the physician.
Oligohydramnios is one of the many possible complications that must be observed during pregnancy and monitored closely for those with specific risk factors. Physicians are charged with this task in order to give the baby the best chance of arriving safely.
If you have a child that has suffered complications or if you miscarried due to low amniotic fluid that was undetected or unmonitored by your physician, we are here to offer a free assessment of your case. We have extensive experience in handling these types of cases, and we never charge you a penny unless we actually win your case. Just take a moment to fill out the contact form found on this page and our team of DFW birth injury attorneys will contact you to advise you of your options. Call Rasansky | McKenzie Law today at (214) 651-6100 and let us help you seek the justice that your family deserves.