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Ask the Nurse! » Ask the Nurse | General Questions

Low fluid / watery discharge

Topics: 1   Posts: 41
I got an ultrasound 2 weeks ago & the doctor informed me that my amniotic fluid was slightly low so they told me to drink more water and take it easy & they are going to check it again Sept. 10th. Just recently I have been having a watery discharge.. the more water I drink the more discharge I see. I am 27 1/2 weeks along.. should I be worried?

Topics: 4   Posts: 916
I don't think you should worry, but I would call the doctor's office tomorrow morning,  remind them that the doctor is watching you for a slightly low level of fluid, and tell them about the discharge. I think I would want to be checked sooner than Sep 10 to find out if the discharge you are having is amniotic fluid. There is a simple test (nitrazine test) that will let them know if it is amniotic fluid that is leaking or not. If it is, I think the doctor would want to see you sooner than the appointment you have now. If you get a fever or any other signs of infection, or if the leaking gets any greater, call right away (don't wait for office hours).


Let us know how you are doing and what the doctor says. :-)
"Experts don't always know what causes low amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios is more commonly identified in summer months so may be due to maternal dehydration. It has been found that drinking plenty of water will boost levels of amniotic fluid so it would be worthwhile keeping your liquid intake up. You'll also want to take care to eat well and rest.

There are other causes of oligohydramnios, each of which requires its own treatment. Here are some of the most common causes and how they're managed:

Leaky or ruptured membranes
You may have a small tear in the membranes, allowing amniotic fluid to leak out. This can happen at any point in your pregnancy although it's more common as you approach your due date. You may notice the leaking fluid yourself if you find that your underwear is wet, or your doctor or midwife may discover it during an examination. Ruptured membranes can increase the risk of infection for both you and your baby because it provides a way for bacteria to enter the uterus. Occasionally, a tear will heal on its own, the leaking will stop, and the fluid will return to normal. (This is usually the case if the leaking happens after an amniocentesis.) Otherwise, your doctor will need to monitor for signs of infection for the rest of your pregnancy. As long as there are no signs of infection and all is well, you'll be able to continue with your pregnancy as normal."
(from http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/complications/oligohydramnios/)




Topics: 1   Posts: 41
Thanks so much! I will definitely give my doc a call tomorrow morning & let you know what he says.

Topics: 1   Posts: 41
Ok.. I talked to my regular ob today (it is my perinatal that does the u/s and told me my fluid was a little low). He asked me how much fluid I was leaking and I told him it's not a lot but I just wanted to call to because I was a little worried and he said I should be fine but I have an appointment with him on Tuesday so he will check me out then. =]

Topics: 4   Posts: 916
Good. It sounds like you do not need to worry. It is always better to check things out with your doctor, but I'm sure you are fine. :-)

Topics: 0   Posts: 1
hey i was reading your question..&& my doctor told me that my belly was measuring too much like 23 or 24 centimeters and i guess thats too much for just 5 months and she said it could be im having a big baby,or i too much amniotic fluid ,or it could just be me im soo worried right now..

Topics: 4   Posts: 916

Here is some information about polyhydramnios or a larger that normal amount of amniotic fluid. It is taken from  http://www.babycenter.com/0_excessive-amniotic-fluid-hydramnios-or-polyhydramnios_1200199.bc Your doctor will probably order an ultrasound soon to measure the size of your baby as well as pockets of amniotic fluid. I would not worry, but ask your doctor to explain to you what they are looking for and what you can expect if your baby is larger for gestational age or if you have more than the usual amount of fluid. Is it possible that you are off with your dates, and that you are a little further along than you think with your pregnancy? That would be another possible explanation. Let us know how things progress. :-)


"How will I know if I have too much amniotic fluid?


Your healthcare practitioner may suspect this problem, which happens in about 1 percent of pregnancies, if your uterus is growing more rapidly than it should. You may also have unusual abdominal discomfort, increased back pain, shortness of breath, and extreme swelling in your feet and ankles. If you have these symptoms, your practitioner will send you for an ultrasound.
The sonographer will measure the largest pockets of amniotic fluid in four different sections of your uterus and add them together to see where you rate on the amniotic fluid index (AFI). A normal measure for the third trimester is between 5 and 25 centimeters (cm). A total of more than 25 cm is considered high."




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