Question

Which of the following conditions is associated with polyhydramnios?

• A. Posterior urethral valves
• B. Cleft palate
• C. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
• D. Bladder exstrophy

Hint:

Polyhydramnios follows impaired fetal swallowing; oligohydramnios follows poor urine output.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Amniotic fluid volume reflects a balance between fetal urine production (which adds fluid) and fetal swallowing (which removes fluid). Polyhydramnios (excess fluid) usually means the fetus cannot swallow normally or there is a gut obstruction.
Step 2: Posterior urethral valves cause bladder outlet obstruction and reduced urine output, so they classically cause oligohydramnios, not polyhydramnios. Option A is wrong.
Step 3: Bladder exstrophy involves an open bladder but does not impair swallowing or reduce overall urine entering the amniotic cavity, so it is not a recognised cause of polyhydramnios. Option D is wrong.
Step 4: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia can be associated with polyhydramnios when the herniated stomach kinks and obstructs swallowing, but the more consistent and classic association offered here is cleft palate.
Step 5: Cleft palate impairs the fetal ability to swallow amniotic fluid effectively, so fluid accumulates and polyhydramnios results. This is the best answer.
Hence the answer is cleft palate, option B.