Polyhydramnios occurs when the
foetus fails to swallow and absorb the normal amount of
amniotic fluid. This may be due to one or more problems, including
gastrointestinal obstruction, neurological disorders, and other possible causes. This leads to an excessive amount of
amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus, which is the condition polyhydramnios.
Diagnosis usually occurs with an ultrasound scan in pregnancy. Many of the mothers that have polyhydramnios deliver healthy babies without problems. However, the condition is worring, as the causes include many birth defects, and the condition is thought to increase the liklehood of further problems.