[Polyhydramnios and its relationship with congenital malformations: ultrasonographic diagnosis]

We analyzed the occurrence of polyhydramnios during pregnancy and to indicate the association with congenital abnormalities of the product and maternal alterations. A retrospective descriptive and transversal study was performed which included 6087 pregnant patients who were submitted to ultrasonographic studies from January 1, 1991 to December 31, 1993. The final sample consisted of 72 patients with criteria of polyhydramnios and who had a complete, clinical history, specific data concerning the reproductive history and maternal risk factors associated with polyhydramnios and fetal malformations was compiled. The occurrence of polyhydramnios during pregnancy was 1.1% and the association with congenital malformations was 13.8%, being the majority neural tube defects. The maternal alterations were related in 13.7% to polyhydramnios, being primary cause gestational diabetes. Anencephalia presented a significant statistics (p < 0.05). The occurrence of polyhydramnios is low in obstetric patients. Neural tube defects such as anencephalia are the primary fetal defects. Gestational diabetes and multiple gestations are the more significant maternal alterations.