Fetal Hydrops is an excessive accumulation of fluid. When a diagnosis of fetal hydrops is made, an investigation of the underlying cause must follow in order to determine if the baby can be treated. One cause of fetal hydrops is Rh immune incompatability, which can be treated through fetal blood transfusion. Severe fluid accumulation puts a strain on the heart, and it is this heart strain, rather than the accumulation of fluid itself, that tends to cause death in fetuses with hydrops.
Fetal hydrops often causes miscarriage, and the swollen appearance of the fetus can be shocking to some people. Also, if the cause of the hydrops is treated successfully and the swelling subsides, the baby will be born with excess skin, which again can cause a shocking appearance. People who collect pathology photos for their shock value therefore love to collect pictures of these fetuses and infants. Parents should seek information about the underlying cause of the hydrops and not be frightened by the pathology photos. Remember that these babies had swelling so severe as to cause an appearance deemed worthy of inclusion in a pathology textbook. If your child can be treated, your physician should be able to prepare you for any unusual appearance in your baby.
Unfortunately, almost all of the Web sites I could find on Fetal Hydrops were of the "Look at this yucky pathology specimin!" variety unsuitable for parents trying to find information to help their babies. I'm therefore linking you to the only really helpful ones I could find.
Severe
Hemolytic Disease (Hydrops Fetalis)
Scanty information. Sorry.
Taylor's Page
This beautiful little girl was delivered prematurely due to hydrops.
For more information on congenital conditions:
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