Which condition is most commonly associated with polyhydramnios?

Which condition is most commonly associated with polyhydramnios?

• A. Esophageal atresia with TE fistula
• B. Potter's syndrome
• C. IUGR
• D. Renal malformations

Answer: (A)

Polyhydramnios happens when the fetus can’t remove enough amniotic fluid, usually because swallowing is impaired. Esophageal atresia with a tracheoesophageal fistula disrupts the esophagus so the fetus can’t swallow amniotic fluid effectively (and any swallowed fluid may be diverted to the airway), causing accumulation of amniotic fluid. That connection is the classic reason this condition is most commonly linked to polyhydramnios. Potter’s syndrome, renal malformations, and intrauterine growth restriction more often lead to oligohydramnios due to reduced fetal urine output or other placental factors, so they don’t fit polyhydramnios as well.

Polyhydramnios happens when the fetus can’t remove enough amniotic fluid, usually because swallowing is impaired. Esophageal atresia with a tracheoesophageal fistula disrupts the esophagus so the fetus can’t swallow amniotic fluid effectively (and any swallowed fluid may be diverted to the airway), causing accumulation of amniotic fluid. That connection is the classic reason this condition is most commonly linked to polyhydramnios.

Potter’s syndrome, renal malformations, and intrauterine growth restriction more often lead to oligohydramnios due to reduced fetal urine output or other placental factors, so they don’t fit polyhydramnios as well.