Polyhydramnios: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Polyhydramnios?
An obstetrician, a doctor who cares for women during pregnancy and birth, usually looks after polyhydramnios. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist, a doctor for high-risk pregnancies, may help in serious cases. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios occurs when too much amniotic fluid builds up during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. It cushions and protects the baby from sudden blows from outside the womb. Polyhydramnios is also called hydramnios.
It is not usually serious, and there is often no cause.
Symptoms
Polyhydramnios does not usually cause symptoms. You may only learn about it at a routine scan or prenatal visit. If you do have symptoms, they might include:
- Indigestion and heartburn, which are burning or upset feelings in the upper belly or chest.
- Constipation, meaning trouble passing stools.
- Breathlessness, or trouble catching your breath.
- Swollen feet and legs.
- Urinary tract infections, which are infections in the bladder or urine tubes.
These can also be usual symptoms in pregnancy. Polyhydramnios can also happen suddenly if the fluid builds up fast. Then your belly can hurt and get bigger suddenly. This is more common with more than one baby.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of polyhydramnios is often unknown. Some possible causes include:
- Diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes.
- Being pregnant with more than one baby, such as twins or triplets.
- An infection during pregnancy.
- A problem with the baby swallowing the fluid. The fluid is absorbed when the baby swallows it.
- The baby having a genetic condition.
Problems in the placenta, the organ that feeds the baby in the womb, can also lead to too much fluid. So can some lung problems in the baby.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider measures the size of your belly at every visit. This shows the size of your womb. If your womb is growing faster than expected, your provider may have you come back sooner. Your provider may also order an ultrasound, a scan that uses sound waves to look at the baby. A sonographer, the person who does the scan, measures the fluid around the baby.
If your provider finds a birth defect, you may need a test called amniocentesis to check for a genetic change in your baby.
Treatment
Polyhydramnios usually does not need any treatment. You may have extra check-ups for the rest of your pregnancy and during labor and birth. If gestational diabetes is the cause, you will be treated for it.
If it is severe, some fluid may be drained from your womb with a thin needle. You may need this more than once. You will be checked afterward to see your fluid levels.
Rarely, in more severe cases, problems can happen. These include your water breaking early, the placenta separating from the womb before birth, or a premature birth. With moderate or severe polyhydramnios, you may be advised to give birth in a hospital. Then treatment is available quickly if needed.
When to see a doctor
Ask for an urgent appointment or contact your provider right away if your belly gets bigger suddenly or you have belly pain. If your water breaks early, call your provider straight away.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain or pressure, bleeding that will not stop, severe trouble breathing, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can talk through your questions and explain your scan results. They can also help coordinate care with your obstetrician.
Common questions
Is polyhydramnios serious?
Polyhydramnios is not usually serious, and there is often no cause. Mild cases that show up late in pregnancy often cause no serious problems. Rarely, severe cases can lead to your water breaking early or a premature birth.
What causes polyhydramnios?
The cause is often unknown. Possible causes include diabetes during pregnancy, more than one baby, an infection, a problem with the baby swallowing, or a genetic condition in the baby.
Does polyhydramnios need treatment?
Polyhydramnios usually does not need any treatment, but you may have extra check-ups. If gestational diabetes causes it, that is treated. Severe cases may have some fluid drained with a thin needle.
Will I need to give birth in a hospital?
You may be advised to give birth in a hospital if you have moderate or severe polyhydramnios. This lets your care team watch you closely and treat problems fast. You may also have a higher chance of needing a cesarean section, which is surgery to deliver the baby.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
