Polyhydramnios
Definition The presence of excessive amniotic fluid surrounding the unborn infant.
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Overview & Considerations
Amniotic fluid surrounds and cushions the infant throughout development. Decreased or excessive amounts of amniotic fluid may be associated with abnormalities in the fetus.
Polyhydramnios occurs when the fetus fails, for any number of reasons, to swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in normal amounts. This may occur as a result of gastrointestinal obstruction, neurological problems, or a variety of other causes.
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