In cases of oligohydramnios, what is a common suspected condition?

In cases of oligohydramnios, which is defined as a low level of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, urinary tract obstruction is a common suspected condition. Amniotic fluid is produced primarily by the fetal kidneys, so if there is an obstruction in the urinary tract of the fetus, it can lead to decreased urine output and consequently, lower levels of amniotic fluid. This condition can be associated with anomalies such as posterior urethral valves or other forms of obstructive uropathy.

Identifying urinary tract obstruction as a suspected condition is critical as it necessitates careful monitoring and potential interventions to safeguard fetal health. In contrast, the other options, such as polyhydramnios (which refers to excess amniotic fluid) and conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, typically do not correlate with low amniotic fluid levels and would not be commonly suspected in the presence of oligohydramnios.