Complications of Polyhydramnios

Extra amniotic fluid can stretch the womb and cause abdominal pressure, reflux, swelling, or breathlessness. It can increase the chance that labour starts early, the baby lies in a position that makes birth difficult, or the umbilical cord slips down when the waters break. The placenta may also separate early. After birth, an overstretched womb may contract less effectively, increasing bleeding risk.

Polyhydramnios can be linked with diabetes, infection, multiple pregnancy, or a fetal condition, although no clear cause is found in some pregnancies. Ultrasound helps assess fluid, growth, movement, and fetal anatomy.

Attend planned appointments and report a rapid increase in abdominal size, worsening breathlessness, contractions, or reduced fetal movement. Your team may arrange repeat ultrasound checks, glucose testing, and monitoring of fetal growth and wellbeing. A [Growth Scan](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/growth-scan/) may help guide follow-up. Discuss where to go when labour starts and how the team will manage the waters breaking.

Seek urgent maternity care for regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, suspected waters breaking, severe breathlessness, sudden abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement. If something cord-like appears at the vagina after your waters break, call emergency services, lie on your side, and avoid pushing it back.

Ask what may be causing the excess fluid, how often scans are needed, whether fetal growth is changing, which labour symptoms need immediate review, and whether your birth plan needs a hospital with neonatal and surgical support.