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Other complications arising from low amniotic fluid volume
The baby may be born with limb deformities, which are normally correctable. It is usually the feet that are affected (known as talipes or "club foot").
There is also an increased risk of fetal distress and delivery by caesarean section.
As mentioned before, premature delivery – spontaneous, induced or by cesarean section
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Rupture of the membranes as a cause of reduced fluid volume
Yes, this is also a cause of reduced amniotic fluid volume. In the majority of cases, this is immediately apparent. A complication unique to this is the risk of infection affecting the pregnancy. Infection significantly increases the risk of losing the baby.
Labour tends to ensue soon after rupture of the membranes, that is, within days. However, it is not unknown for the pregnancy to continue for several weeks after membranes have ruptured.
Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities causing reduction of amniotic fluid volume
Some chromosomal abnormalities are characterized by a chronically reduced fluid volume, almost always accompanied by fetal growth restriction. Because many of these abnormalities occur with other physical abnormalities, the diagnosis is likely to be suspected before delivery.
If this is the case, fluid could be taken from around the baby (by a procedure called amniocentesis) for analysis, to establish the diagnosis.
Adverse effects of reduced fluid volume on the fetus in the womb
The most feared effect is poor lung development. Normal lung development depends on the presence of sufficient amniotic fluid. If the reduced volume starts very early and does not improve, lung development could be very poor and this is an extremely difficult problem to overcome.
The severity of poor lung development also depends on the degree of reduction in the fluid volume.