hydramnios
Definition
Noun: * An abnormality of pregnancy: A medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus during pregnancy.
Usage
- Medical Diagnosis: The term is used almost exclusively in medical contexts to describe a specific complication observed during prenatal care.
- Symptom or Sign: It is often discussed as a finding from an ultrasound examination or a potential cause of maternal discomfort.
- Example: "The ultrasound revealed hydramnios, so the doctor is monitoring the pregnancy more closely."
Advanced Usage
- Etiology and Association: In medical literature, hydramnios is frequently discussed in relation to its potential underlying causes, such as fetal anomalies (e.g., gastrointestinal obstructions, neurological conditions), maternal diabetes, or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
- Example: "The presence of hydramnios prompted further testing to check for fetal abnormalities."
Variants and Related Words
- Polyhydramnios: This is the more clinically common synonym for hydramnios. The terms are often used interchangeably in modern medical practice.
- Oligohydramnios: The antonym, describing a deficiency of amniotic fluid.
Synonyms
- Polyhydramnios
Antonyms
- Oligohydramnios
Noun
-
an abnormality of pregnancy; accumulation of excess amniotic fluid
