Spontaneous regression of fetal ascites in utero in an adolescent.

Fetal ascites has been documented by ultrasound to progressively disappear prior to birth. This report describes a case in a nineteen-year-old in which fetal ascites was documented in the midtrimester of pregnancy and in which subsequent regression was shown by ultrasound. Although nonimmune fetal hydrops commonly has a poor prognosis, it is possible to adopt an observant attitude while a carefully evaluating for an etiology of fetal ascites.