Overview
Too much fluid (polyhydramnios) can come with diabetes or baby differences. Too little (oligohydramnios) can come with leaks or placenta problems.
Your team will check the baby more often.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Found on ultrasound
Less common
- Belly larger or smaller than expected
Look up a symptom: Pregnant or recently gave birth
When to get medical care
Call 911Heavy bleeding, severe belly pain, fluid leaking, fever, or fewer baby movements: call 911 or go to labor and delivery.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.
Causes
Many causes.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Diabetes
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Ultrasound:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Keep all ultrasound visits
- Count baby movements
- Drink water as advised
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an OB-GYN or midwife; high-risk pregnancies may see a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- People with diabetes: Higher risk of too much fluid.
Outlook
Most babies are born healthy with monitoring.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Too much or too little amniotic fluid
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.