Idiopathic polyhydramnios and fetal gender

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Obstetrics
• Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Idiopathic polyhydramnios, characterized by elevated amniotic fluid index (AFI > 24 cm), presents a diagnostic challenge in singleton pregnancies.
• Understanding the etiology of idiopathic polyhydramnios is crucial for optimizing prenatal care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between idiopathic polyhydramnios and fetal gender in uncomplicated pregnancies.
• To compare the incidence of male and female fetuses in idiopathic polyhydramnios cases with the general population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective population-based register study of 295 women with singleton pregnancies and idiopathic polyhydramnios.
• Inclusion criteria: uncomplicated pregnancies and outcomes, AFI > 24 cm.
• Comparison of fetal gender distribution with the general population.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher proportion of male fetuses (72.9%) were observed in idiopathic polyhydramnios cases compared to the general population (48.5%).
• Female fetuses constituted 37.1% of cases, lower than the general population (51.5%).
• The mean amniotic fluid index was significantly increased in male fetuses (p < 0.001) and did not correlate with gestational age, fetal head circumference, or estimated fetal weight.

Conclusions:

• Idiopathic polyhydramnios occurs more frequently in male fetuses than in female fetuses when no other abnormalities are present.
• Fetal gender may be a contributing factor in the development of idiopathic polyhydramnios.