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ultrasound
Topics: 2 Posts: 4
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Created about 1 year ago I went in yesterday for my 36 week appointment & my doctor said I was measuring 3 centimeters off. The previous appointment I was 1 1/2 centimeters off & the time before that I was a centimeter off. So she wantes to do an on ultra sound on Monday to make sure my amniotic fluid isnt low. If it is low what will happen? She didnt tell me what she would do if its low so im just wondering what could possibly happen if my fluid turns out to be low. |
Topics: 4 Posts: 916
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Created about 1 year ago
Many times if the level of amniotic fluid is slightly low and your baby’s due date is near, the doctor will just monitor your baby’s condition carefully to make sure the baby remains healthy until he is due to be born. If levels are very low, or your baby gives any indication of being at risk, there are some things your doctor may do to protect the baby. Below is some information from the American Pregnancy Association that explains this further.
“The amniotic fluid is part of the baby’s life support system . It protects your baby and aids in the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. Amniotic fluid is produced soon after the amniotic sac forms at about 12 days after conception. It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks fetal urine becomes the primary substance. As the baby grows he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic fluid. In the second trimester the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid. In some cases the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too high it is called polyhydramnios.
“What is oligohydramnios?
“Oligohydramnios is the condition of having too little amniotic fluid. Doctors can measure the amount of fluid through a few different methods, most commonly through amniotic fluid index (AFI) evaluation or deep pocket measurements. If an AFI shows a fluid level of less than 5 centimeters (or less than the 5th percentile), the absence of a fluid pocket 2-3 cm in depth, or a fluid volume of less than 500mL at 32-36 weeks gestation, then a diagnosis of oligohydramnios would be suspected. About 8% of pregnant women can have low levels of amniotic fluid, with about 4% being diagnosed with oligohydramnios. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the last trimester. If a woman is past her due date by two weeks or more, she may be at risk for low amniotic fluid levels since fluids can decrease by half once she reaches 42 weeks gestation. Oligohydramnios can cause complications in about 12% of pregnancies that go past 41 weeks.” http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/lowamnioticfluidoligohydramnios.htm
What treatments are available if I am experiencing low amniotic fluid?
The treatment for low levels of amniotic fluid is based on gestational age. If you are not full tem yet, your doctor will monitor you and your levels very closely. Tests such as non-stress and contraction stress test may be done to monitor your baby’s activity. If you are close to full term, then delivery is usually what most doctors recommend in situations of low amniotic fluid levels. Other treatments that may be used include:
· Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This added fluid helps with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery and is reported to help lower the chances of a cesarean delivery.
· Injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis. The condition of oligohydramnios is reported to often return within one week of this procedure, but it can aid in helping doctors visualize fetal anatomy and make a diagnosis.
· Maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids has shown to help increase amniotic fluid levels.
Here are some other links you can check to find answers to your questions:
Please keep us posted!  |
Topics: 22 Posts: 177
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Created about 1 year ago My sister had low amniotic fluid and she had to rest and drink a lot of liquids..Kind of like bedrest. I've heard that some girls even get admitted into the hospital for bedrest to keep fluid levels at a safe amount. You posted this about two weeks ago, how did everything turn out? ______________________ ~*Shana*~
~*Mommy to Sadie (9-27-07) and Mason (4-17-10) & Expecting #3 (10-27-12) *~ |
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Topics: 2 Posts: 4
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Created about 1 year ago everything turned out ok my fluid actually went up alittle, but my doctor is still worried that its low. I am now being induced a week early of my due date so April 6th ! |
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Topics: 22 Posts: 177
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Created about 1 year ago Glad everything's okay, and how exciting!! You're so close! ______________________ ~*Shana*~
~*Mommy to Sadie (9-27-07) and Mason (4-17-10) & Expecting #3 (10-27-12) *~ |
Topics: 24 Posts: 113
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Created about 1 year ago I am glad everything turned out okay too. April 6th is just so close. Congrats! Keep us updated!
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Topics: 2 Posts: 4
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Created about 1 year ago well i went to the doctor today cause I was in the hospital with contractions last night (false labor) and when i saw my doctor today she told me that the way i have been having contractions she believes i will go into labor over the weekend & not make it to the 6th ! |
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