Early Birth Risks

Oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios explained

Oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios explained

Why amniotic fluid matters Amniotic fluid is not simply “water around the baby.” In early pregnancy, it is largely derived from maternal plasma and fluid movement across fetal membranes. Later, fetal urine becomes a major contributor, while fetal swallowing, lung fluid movement, membrane exchange, and placental dynamics help regulate the total volume. Because production and […]

PROM and PPROM explained

PROM and PPROM explained

What are the membranes, and what does rupture mean? The “membranes” are the fetal membranes, commonly described as the amniotic sac. They enclose the fetus and amniotic fluid. Rupture means a break has occurred in these membranes, allowing amniotic fluid to leak through the cervix and vagina. In everyday language, this is often called “water […]

Cervical insufficiency and cerclage procedure

Cervical insufficiency and cerclage procedure

Understanding cervical insufficiency The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. In most pregnancies, it remains long and closed until late in the third trimester, when normal cervical ripening begins in preparation for labor. In cervical insufficiency, the cervix may shorten or dilate prematurely, sometimes without contractions, pain, […]

Preterm labor causes and risks

Preterm labor causes and risks

What preterm labor means Preterm labor is generally defined as labor that begins before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Clinically, this means regular uterine contractions accompanied by cervical change, such as dilation or effacement. This distinction matters because many pregnant people experience Braxton Hicks contractions or transient uterine irritability, particularly in the third trimester, without […]