Which congenital condition is frequently associated with maternal polyhydramnios in the newborn?

The correct identification of duodenal atresia as frequently associated with maternal polyhydramnios in the newborn stems from the understanding of how this condition affects fetal swallowing. Duodenal atresia is a congenital obstruction of the duodenum, which prevents the normal passage of amniotic fluid. When this occurs, the fetus cannot adequately swallow the amniotic fluid, leading to excessive accumulation in the amniotic sac, clinically recognized as polyhydramnios.

In contrast, conditions such as esophageal atresia can also be associated with polyhydramnios, but duodenal atresia is more specifically correlated due to the mechanism of obstruction occurring in the distal part of the gastrointestinal tract. Meconium ileus typically is associated with cystic fibrosis and may lead to a different set of pre-natal concerns. Hirschsprung disease, while it does present with bowel obstruction, generally manifests after birth and would not typically result in polyhydramnios during gestation. Thus, understanding the physiological basis for fluid dynamics in the womb helps clarify why duodenal atresia is the primary condition associated with maternal polyhydramnios.