Too much amniotic fluid at 35 weeks: what to know

Amniotic fluid cushions the baby and allows movement. Polyhydramnios means there is more fluid than expected for the stage of pregnancy. It may be mild or more pronounced, and the cause is not always found. Your team may consider diabetes, problems affecting the baby's swallowing or urine production, infection, multiple pregnancy or a difference in dating, while recognising that many pregnancies have no clear explanation.

Extra fluid can make the abdomen feel tight, worsen breathlessness or heartburn and make the baby's position less predictable. It can also affect decisions about monitoring, timing of birth and what to do if the waters break. A growth scan can assess fluid measurement, growth, presentation and visible anatomy, although no scan answers every question.

Attend the follow-up appointments your maternity team recommends and ask which symptoms should prompt a call. Discuss glucose testing if it has not been completed, fetal movement awareness and the proposed birth setting. Keep a note of increasing breathlessness, abdominal pain, contractions, fluid leakage and changes in movement so you can describe them clearly.

Contact maternity care urgently for reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, severe abdominal pain or leaking fluid. A sudden gush of fluid can allow the cord or a small part of the baby to move downward, so lie down and call for urgent advice rather than travelling alone. Severe breathlessness, chest pain or faintness needs emergency help.

How much fluid is present, and how will it be rechecked? Is the baby's growth and position reassuring? Should I have glucose or other tests? How often will movement and wellbeing be monitored? Where should I give birth, and what is the plan if my waters break or labour starts?