Hydrops Fetalis | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of hydrops fetalis?
Symptoms of hydrops fetalis can occur during pregnancy or after the baby is born. During pregnancy, symptoms of hydrops fetalis may include:
- large amounts of amniotic fluid
- thickened placenta
- enlarged liver, spleen or heart in the baby
- fluid buildup in the baby’s abdomen
After birth, symptoms may include:
- pale coloring
- severe swelling overall, especially in the baby's abdomen
- enlarged liver and spleen
- difficulty breathing
What causes hydrops fetalis?
Many different diseases and other medical complications can cause hydrops fetalis, such as:
- hemolytic disease of the newborn
- severe anemia
- infections present at birth
- heart or lung defects
- chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects
- liver disease
