Depending on its cause and which trimester it occurs in, oligohydramnios, or a deficiency in amniotic fluid, can last until delivery. If someone's treatment for oligohydramnios consisted of drinking more fluids, their amniotic fluid levels may increase shortly after their body becomes re-hydrated. In some cases, oligohydramnios may be so mild that it does not require treatment. But if the cause of a low level of amniotic fluid is underdevelopment of organs such as the fetal heart or kidneys, oligohydramnios can last until the death of the fetus. Oligohydramnios that occurs for a prolonged period of time can cause pulmonary hypoplasia, or the underdevelopment of the lungs, which can lead to fatal respiratory functioning after birth. If the lack of amniotic fluid persists until delivery and causes difficulties such as umbilical cord compression, amnio-infusion can be performed, in which a doctor injects provides extra fluid to aid in a smooth delivery.
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