What is the primary risk when a woman experiences oligohydramnios?

What is the primary risk when a woman experiences oligohydramnios?

• A. Placental abruption
• B. Fetal lung development issues
• C. Increased maternal fatigue
• D. Gestational hypertension

Answer: (B)

When a woman has oligohydramnios, which is a condition characterized by low amniotic fluid levels, the primary risk is related to fetal lung development issues. Amniotic fluid plays a critical role in fetal lung development because the fetus inhales and exhales the fluid, promoting the growth and development of lung tissue. Adequate levels of amniotic fluid are necessary for this process; therefore, when levels are low, it can lead to complications such as pulmonary hypoplasia, which is underdeveloped lungs. While the other options may present potential risks in pregnancy, they are not the direct and primary concerns associated with oligohydramnios. For instance, placental abruption typically involves a separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which is unrelated to amniotic fluid levels. Increased maternal fatigue can occur during pregnancy but is not specifically tied to oligohydramnios. Likewise, gestational hypertension is a separate condition that can develop due to various risk factors but is not directly linked to low amniotic fluid levels. Thus, the specific impact of oligohydramnios on fetal lung development underscores why this is the primary risk to be aware of.

When a woman has oligohydramnios, which is a condition characterized by low amniotic fluid levels, the primary risk is related to fetal lung development issues. Amniotic fluid plays a critical role in fetal lung development because the fetus inhales and exhales the fluid, promoting the growth and development of lung tissue. Adequate levels of amniotic fluid are necessary for this process; therefore, when levels are low, it can lead to complications such as pulmonary hypoplasia, which is underdeveloped lungs.

While the other options may present potential risks in pregnancy, they are not the direct and primary concerns associated with oligohydramnios. For instance, placental abruption typically involves a separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which is unrelated to amniotic fluid levels. Increased maternal fatigue can occur during pregnancy but is not specifically tied to oligohydramnios. Likewise, gestational hypertension is a separate condition that can develop due to various risk factors but is not directly linked to low amniotic fluid levels. Thus, the specific impact of oligohydramnios on fetal lung development underscores why this is the primary risk to be aware of.