Low Amniotic Fluid - La Mesa,CA

I don't have any experience with this, but if you need to see a perinatologist, I **HIGHLY** recommend Dr. Wilkes at Desert Perinatal Associates - see review on this site.

It is frightening to think of what can happen when something isn't perfect with the pregnancy. Keep your fingers crossed. In the mean time: check up on a "renal diet" and keep track of what you are eating and drinking in a log. Keep track of what kinds of fluids you are taking in. Don't smoke, drink or do any kind of harmfull drugs. Stop taking Motrin, Ibuprophen or anything that may be anti-inflamitory (If you are having pain it's better to deal with it for a few more months until delivery).

Do a little research on where the Amniotic fluid comes from. I beleive it is the urin/excretion of the fetus. If it is truly not dehydration then Kidney problems in the fetus is my first jump-to conclusion. Do take steps to changing your diet towards foods that are "renal" frrendly (and avoid painkillers or anti-inflamitories) to provide a better balance for under developed kidneys in the fetus.

Don't forget: You need to drink over 1 gallon of water each day! Then you can have your juice and other healthy drinks. Avoid coffee and black tea or anything with caffine. It's a lot but it's worth every living hour that child has once it is delivered. Do it for the baby.

Keep your head up. All the fuss and it may just be fine in the end. Just do your part to be extra carefull.

Dear T.,

I know how you are feeling because I went though this too three times. My doctor noticed it with me first child right in the beginning of the pregnancy. I had very low amniotic fluid so he sent me to the perinatalogist. Bascially a doctor who measures everything. From length of the legs to how much amniotic fluid to the flow in the ambilical cord. I was going to my regular ob and the peri first every 3 weeks then every week. It did comfort me to know that I had two doctors looking out for me and my baby. Come to find out I have interutrine growth restriction (IUGR). It is nothing bad. It is just something that the doctors keep their eye on. I had this with all three of my kids. They are all healthy and have no problems. The only thing I can say is yes drink your water, eat healthy, stay as calm as you can and ask questions at every visit. I know the more I knew about what was going on made me more at ease. If you have more questions about what I went through feel free to write. Take Care!

I didn't go through the same thing myself, but my aunt had the same problem. The doctors said the same thing, drink more water. Well it started to become a problem and they sent her to a specialist too. Don't worry too much because they can do a procedure where they can put a gel inside to supplement for the water. To make it so the baby still has the padding and it's not a dry birth.

As I'm sure you've heard, try not to stress to much. It's not good for anyone. That said, they told me I had low amniotic fluid with my 2nd child, a boy. They said he was growing great, average size, just a little low on amniotic fluid. I had to go in for non stress tests at least once a week. When he was born, my "average" son was 10 lbs 10 oz. The fluid was low because he was actually MUCH bigger than they thought. With my 3rd child, another boy, they told me that tests showed he was at high risk of down syndrome and wanted to do an amnio. We elected against it, but I still had to go in for additional tests, exams and sonograms. He was born perfectly fine. These are just 2 examples of how the doctors and all their knowledge can be wrong. I'm not saying not to trust them, but have faith everything will turn out great! Good luck with your new little one!

Hi T., I had low amniotic fluid and a high risk pregnancy, at 33 weeks I started dialating and 5 days later delivered. I guess if you're not dialating any that you shouldn't worry too much. Keep us posted!

All three of my pregnancies were very high risk and I saw a perinatologist for all. My fluid was low with my third baby and drinking lots of fluids really does help. Don't worry too much about this! They will let you know if it gets too low, but is sounds like for now, you are just moderately lower than normal. A perinatalogist will do ultrasounds probably weekly and have you do fetal monitoring maybe 2x/week. They do this to check baby's movements. Like I said, don't stress yourself out over this...it is common and baby will probably be just fine. Low fluid was only one of several problems I had and OBs and specialists tend to be a bit over cautious. Not a bad thing, but it can cause unnecessary worry. GOod Luck! I highly recommend Dr. Paul Wilkes for perinatologist. His practice is extremely reputable and he actually has you come sit in his personal office after visits to discuss your/baby's health. (Sort of unusual nowadays.) They have offices in Henderson and the west side of town Good LucK!

Hi T.. I have not been through this exactly. My son was born in an emergencey C-section because his cord was getting smaller around his neck. It was looped around and at first it didn't seem to be a problem. But then it started...shrinking. And he wasn't getting anything through it. I hope I'm explainng tis right. Anyway, I understand being scared. I just want you to know that there are many woman out there that go through something very scary during their pregnancy. God keep you safe!!! If you need to talk or anything...write me. I'd be glad to let you talk out your fears with me. Best Wishes, T.

Hi there!

I'm an assistant midwife, and have studied a ton about various pregnancy related concerns. The thing to remember about low fluid levels, is that they fluctuate. Your fluid levels will fluctuate depending on how much you've had to drink that day. the fluid level is dependent on how much urine the baby has let out, and the baby's bladder fills when you've had adequate liquid intake. I wouldn't be concerned unless you've had less than an AFI of 5, consistently. Meaning that it's always below 5, and there are no variables. Some women also happen to have less fluid volumes than others.

Don't freak out unless there's something to really freak out about. And I'd be careful of repeated scans, as they're not good for baby.

Good luck!

Christy

I had the same issue and my baby boy is happy and healthy as can be! I did get put on a modified bed rest. Look on the positive side, it means you get more ultrasounds and NST's which will allow you to see your baby and hear his heartbeat more often! I would just take it as easy as you can! All will be well!

Drink lots of water. I know you think you are drinking enough but you need over a gallon of clear water a day. I had this same problem with both my boys and it was hard. The first one was induced a 37 weeks because my water dropped too low. The other I went into labor at 38 weeks because I was dehydrated. I was drinking alot of water, but I had inadequate airconditioning in my car. For the 2 weeks I had a nice car with good airconditioning my water level actualy went up. A nurse at my specialists office told me that some women just have a hard time keeping the water up no matter how much they drink. After 36 weeks it gets worse because the placenta starts to shut down getting ready for delivery. Take it easy and drink drink drink. If it gets too low before it's safe to induce they will hospitalize you and give you fluids through an IV. That sounds scary but it's to let you know that your Dr. will take care of you and your baby will be fine. :) Both my boys are hapy and healthy.

T.,

I had the same problem. What I can recommend to you is to rest as much as you can in your left side, drink a lot of fluids, especially water, and be patience and positive.

To be honest I was freaking out and extremely worried and concerned, and my baby was born healthy and beautiful.

I will also advise not to look so much on the web, there is a lot of information and every case is different, so do not be guide for all those web sites that might or might be not accurate.

Listen to your doctor and take it one day a t the time, pregnancy can be overwhelming sometimes and we can get anxious and nervous.

Hope everything is well, and I'll have you in my prayers.

Hi T.- I had this problem with my first daughter- I had a very precautious Doctor and she had me come in weekly - if I remember correctly for observation- I think they did would strap this thing around my belly and no non stress tests I think? Sorry this was in 98 so it's been a while- I was out on bed rest towards the end because I had lots of contractions or those braxton hicks things- not sure if this was related to the low fluid- also I was put on terbutaline for this- anyway when my water broke it wasn't much LOL go figure but my hospital was about 45 minutes away and we barely made it- But my daughter was and is fine- my second daughter was born in 2002 - I had to go to a closer hospital since I deliver so quickly- and I told them of the low fluid and they did not one thing about it!! BUt getting close to my delivery date I noticed she wasn't moving much -not even after I ate- I casually mentioned it to the doctor at a visit and she gave me a cookie- no response then they did like an alarm on my belly -nothing - so they borke my water - I refused the pitocin and had her also in less than an hour- she was fine also- I suspect I also had low fluid with her. Bottom line is do not count on them to think for oyu- bug them if you feel worried or go to another doctor- I have heard too many cases lately of doctors or hospitals dropping the ball. So keep them on their toes- keep an eye out for decreasing movement I guess? But in general I wouldn't worry too much about the fluid being low- as both my girls are great!!

I had low amniotic fluid with my 2nd pregnancy and was monitored by a Perinatologist. Our case was a different because my daughter was not growing appropriately and it was later determined it was because the placenta did not develop properly (thus the low fluid). I know how scary it is, but it is great that your baby is doing well. Several of my friends had low fluid and went on to deliver FT healthy babies. Good luck!