Fetal hydrops

Fetal hydrops refers to the abnormal accumulation of excessive extracellular fluid in the fetus, leading to conditions such as pleural effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion, and skin edema. It is often detected during routine prenatal check-ups. This condition can be classified into immune and non-immune fetal hydrops, with non-immune fetal hydrops accounting for over 90% of cases, with an incidence rate of (1-3) / (1700-3000). However, the actual incidence may be higher, as many cases of hydrops in early and mid-pregnancy result in intrauterine fetal demise before diagnosis. When fetal hydrops occurs, the mother may also experience generalized edema, forming a "mirror syndrome" with the fetal and placental hydrops. This means the mother may develop an edematous state, with symptoms in the same areas as the fetus, similar to looking in a mirror.