A woman at 40 weeks gestation has a diagnosis of oligohydramnios. Which of the following statements related to oligohydramnios is correct?

Oligohydramnios is defined as a condition where there is a lower-than-normal amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus during pregnancy. The correct understanding of this condition is that it typically indicates a significant reduction in the volume of amniotic fluid, which is often quantified as a 50% reduction from what is considered normal levels. This reduction can lead to potential complications during pregnancy, as adequate amniotic fluid is crucial for fetal development, particularly for lung and musculoskeletal development.

In cases of oligohydramnios, the decreased volume of fluid can be associated with various factors, including placental insufficiency, certain fetal anomalies, or issues with the mother's health that can impact fluid production. Understanding the magnitude of this reduction in fluid is essential for proper monitoring and managing potential risks to both the mother and fetus.

Thus, stating that oligohydramnios refers to a 50% reduction in amniotic fluid is accurate and aligns with commonly accepted medical definitions.