Benefits and Risks of Amnioreduction for Management of Pregnant Women With Polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios is the presence of excessive amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac and it's prevalence reaches 2% of all pregnancies . Polyhydramnios is diagnosed based on ultrasound criteria, as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) >25 cm or maximal vertical pocket > 8 cm . There is a recognized association of polyhydramnios and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including perinatal death, fetal abnormality and preterm birth . Management of the pregnancy can be problematic, particularly in severe cases, due to issues surrounding maternal discomfort and the risk of preterm birth. Amnioreduction, widely used in the management of polyhydramnios, is an option available to palliate maternal symptomatology and potentially prolong the pregnancy . Previous publications have shown a reduction in the risk for premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor decrease, placental perfusion improvement, and relief of maternal discomfort following amnioreduction