Oligohydramnios

We know it’s a difficult term to remember but what it basically means is “Low Amniotic Fluid”. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that fills up the amniotic sac that is inside your uterus. The fluid has a number of uses. From protecting your little one from outside impacts and infections to helping your baby maintain a constant temperature in the womb, the fluid does it all. Not only that, the amniotic liquid also helps in letting the little one’s digestive system and lungs develop.

From the beginning of your pregnancy till the start of your third trimester, the amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac keeps increasing. By the time it is the 37th week, the amniotic sac has about 800-1000ml of amniotic liquid in it. From here on out, the liquid begins to reduce gradually till the time you give birth.

Your doctor will be able to tell most of the time if you are running low on the amniotic fluid by examining the size of your bump during your checkups. If however you have been having blood pressure problems or have a medical condition such as lupus, then to your doctor would want to check your amniotic liquid level. An ultrasound will be able to detect the level of amniotic fluid in your body.

There are several reasons for low amniotic liquid and these could be anything from a problem with the placenta or a health problem with the baby to medications that you might be taking that could have affected the level of liquid or simply the fact that the amniotic sack has a tear and that the water is leaking.

Low level of amniotic liquid can affect you and your child in various ways. If the amount of amniotic liquid is low in the first trimester (a rarity) then the chances of a miscarriage or stillbirth increase. Later in the pregnancy, if the amniotic liquid level drops, then the main concern is that your baby’s lungs may not be able to develop as much as they should. So to make sure your little one is growing ok, you will be having regular checkups.

The best thing that you can do during this time is to drink plenty of water, rest and eat healthily, also do remember never to skip your doctor’s appointments.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is one the more serious complications that might take place during a pregnancy. This essentially happens when a fertilized egg, instead of implanting itself in the uterus, implants outside of it. Ectopic pregnancies usually take place in the fallopian tube and are thus also referred to as tubal pregnancy.

This usually occurs in 1 out of 161 pregnancies.

As you go forward in your pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies might cause pain and even lead to the rupturing of the fallopian tube. If the fallopian tube gets ruptured, it will cause internal bleeding and if not treated at the earliest, could prove extremely fatal.

There are a few conditions that might lead you to face an ectopic pregnancy:

• If you have ever had the pelvic inflammatory disease that is usually an after effect of tuberculosis.
• If at any point of time you have had an abdominal surgery, like an appendix removal or cesarean section.
• If you have an IUD fitted
• If you are 40 years or older
• If you are a smoker.

Unfortunately, since an ectopic pregnancy can prove to be fatal to the mother, the pregnancy will more or less be removed.

The main point behind any healthy pregnancy is to be aware of your body, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water and exercise. And remember, if anything feels out of place to you regarding your body or your health do not hesitate to contact your doctor.