Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Low amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios is a disorder of amniotic fluid. It causes a decreased amniotic fluid volume for gestational age. It can result in various maternal, foetal, or placental complications and can lead to poor foetal outcomes. In this article, we will discuss whether gestational diabetes can cause low amniotic fluid, and its association with gestational diabetes.
Can low amniotic fluid be harmful?
Yes. Low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios) during pregnancy can result in several complications, including:
- Preterm labour and delivery: Reduced amniotic fluid can increase the risk of premature birth due to preterm premature rupture of membranes.
- Intrauterine growth restriction: Low fluid levels can limit the amount of space available for the foetus to grow and develop, leading to growth restriction. This can further cause deformities due to being compressed in the uterus.
- Umbilical cord compression: Reduced fluid levels can increase the risk of the umbilical cord becoming compressed, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the foetus.
- Difficulty with labour and delivery: Low amniotic fluid levels can make it more difficult for the foetus to move into the correct position for delivery. This situation causes an increased risk during delivery of being in an abnormal position (not ‘presenting’ the head first) and of having temporary drops (decelerations) in their heart rate. Both of these situations may require a caesarean section.
Does gestational diabetes lead to low amniotic fluid?
It is possible. Few researchers believe that certain maternal conditions can increase the risk of low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is one maternal risk factor which can contribute to it. Oligohydramnios or low amniotic fluid is a condition when there is decreased amniotic fluid index (AFI), i.e., less than 5 cm. This is because high blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes can lead to increased production of urine by the foetus, which can cause a decrease in amniotic fluid volume. In other words, dehydration in mothers can cause low levels of amniotic fluid.
However, there are studies which state the contrary. The data, as per the American Journal of Gynecology, suggests that amniotic fluid volume is minimally or not at all affected in gestational diabetes regardless of glycemic control.
Low amniotic fluid levels can lead to potential complications during pregnancy and delivery. Therefore, it is important for women with gestational diabetes to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and seek medical attention if necessary.
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