Oligohydramnios is a medical term that refers to a condition in which the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is insufficient during pregnancy. The spelling of this word can be challenging due to its complex combination of consonants and vowels. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, one can break down the pronunciation of this term: /ˌɑlɪɡoʊhaɪdræmniˈoʊs/. The transcription includes the stress on the third syllable and provides an accurate representation of the sound of each letter in the word.
Oligohydramnios is a medical term used to describe a condition in which there is a deficiency or low level of amniotic fluid within the amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid plays a critical role in providing protection and nourishment to the developing baby, as well as facilitating fetal movement and lung development.
Normal levels of amniotic fluid help to cushion the fetus, regulate its temperature, and prevent compression of the umbilical cord. Oligohydramnios occurs when the volume of amniotic fluid falls below the normal range, which is typically around 500 to 1500 milliliters at term.
Causes of oligohydramnios can vary and may include conditions such as fetal kidney problems, placental insufficiency, rupture of membranes, or certain birth defects that interfere with the production or circulation of amniotic fluid. It can also be more common in pregnancies that have progressed beyond the due date.
Clinical indications or potential complications associated with oligohydramnios may include difficulties in fetal growth, impaired lung development, abnormal positioning of the fetus, and increased risk of birth complications such as umbilical cord compression or meconium aspiration syndrome. Additionally, it may raise concerns regarding the functioning of the placenta and fetal well-being.
A diagnosis of oligohydramnios is typically made through ultrasound examination, which measures the amniotic fluid volume. Management and treatment of oligohydramnios depend on the underlying cause and the gestational age of the baby.
An abnormally scanty secretion of liquor amnii; oligoamnios.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "oligohydramnios" has its roots in Greek etymology. It is formed by combining two Greek words: "oligos" meaning "few" or "little", and "hydor" meaning "water", and "amnion" which refers to the "membrane surrounding the fetus in the womb". Therefore, "oligohydramnios" refers to a condition characterized by the presence of abnormally low levels of amniotic fluid in the uterus during pregnancy.