[Hydramnios and fetal malformations. A consecutive series of 50 cases which were under observation in the maternity unit of C.H.U. of Rennes between 1971 and 1978 (author's transl)].

50 cases of hydramnios were found in 17,528 deliveries. This gives a percentage of 0.29. These 50 cases of hydramnios gave birth to 53 fetuses which showed one or more of the following abnormalities. 20 malformations of which 12 were of the central nervous system; 6 twins; 6 cases of Rhesus allo-immunisation; 1 case of chorio angioma; 4 unexplained intra-uterine deaths; and 27 infants that died later. No etiological cause for this hydramnios was found in 20 cases. There was no maternal pathology to be found. Often the obstetrical histories of these women are pathological. In 3 per cent of the cases there was a previous abortion and in 18 per cent it appeared that there was previous hydramnios. We discuss what measures should be taken in cases of hydramnios. In our opinion a woman who has had a pregnancy with hydramnios should have genetic counseilling. The combination of hydramnios with delayed intra-uterine growth suggests that fetal malformation is present.