Hydrops

What is hydrops?

Hydrops is severe swelling in the body tissues of a fetus (unborn child) or infant (birth to 1 year). The condition develops when too much fluid moves from the baby’s bloodstream into the tissues. Hydrops can cause a fetus or baby’s organs to shut down, and it can be fatal.

The most common places for the fluid to build up is in tissues around the lungs, heart, or abdomen (ascites), and under the skin (edema).

What are the different types of hydrops?

There are two types of hydrops:

1. Immune - If mother and baby do not have the same blood type, the mother’s immune system may begin to break down the red blood cells of the fetus during pregnancy, causing swelling.
2. Non-immune - If a fetus or newborn has a disease that makes it hard for their body to manage fluids, hydrops can develop.

Examples of diseases that may cause hydrops include:

• Anemia (severe)
• Chromosome defects
• Congenital infections
• Heart conditions
• Liver disease
• Lung conditions

What are the signs and symptoms of hydrops?

Symptoms during pregnancy

• Enlarged heart, liver or spleen (will be seen on ultrasound)
• Fluid buildup around heart, lungs or abdomen (will be seen on ultrasound)
• Large amounts of amniotic fluid
• Thick placenta

 Symptoms immediately after birth

• Bruising
• Difficulty breathing
• Enlarged liver and spleen
• Pale skin color
• Swelling of the abdomen or entire body
• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)