Low amniotic fluid?

[Lez2688]

Hi girls

I had a growth scan and consultant app today. Baby seemed fine was above average with head size, bang on average with femur length and just below average for abdominal size but all were within the normal range. The consultant did however say my fluid level is slightly lower than normal so I have to go back for another scan on 7th April. Has anyone else experienced this? X

 

[gumb69]

Hiya didn't want to r&r. Have no idea sorry, the fact they are leaving you three weeks sounds as if they aren't concerned. Good luck xx

 

[HBGirl]

I have not had this but I have heard that coconut water helps.

 

[Loubie_2012]

The same thing has happened to me. I had some abdominal and lower back pain a few weeks ago which didn't turn out to be anything but when I was at the hospital the doctor said I was measuring small so sent me for a scan. The baby is of average size so all is well there but they wanted me to have another scan to check on the fluid levels. That was a week ago and it was still the same so they wanted to scan me again two weeks later. They did however put me on the monitor and they want me to be monitored every week (I'm going today). They've said this is just to check the baby is ok and they don't seem overly concerned. DH says they are just being safe and I'm glad they are but it does make me wonder 'WHY?!' They haven't actually said there is anything to be concerned about and they've said not to worry but if they are monitoring me weekly I keep thinking they must be looking out for something. My baby is moving around ok though so if yours is as well and the scan is in three weeks time like a PP said they can't be too worried. I thought the same thing, they'd have me in more often if they thought it was something too bad and I'm sure they would fill me in on the risks etc! I did read that if the fluid is really low then you could be induced early as the umbilical cord is at risk but nobody has mentioned that to me at the hospital so I think the fluid would have to be really low and that's why they're keeping an eye on things...

 

[pinkbump2011]

I have the opposite (too much fluid) but from what I've read i would guess you still have enough fluid just less than average. The fluid helps your baby to learn how to swallow suck etc so I'm sure they just want to check lungs, kidneys are developing how they should be. Your dr will probably be monitoring you based on the severity of the fluid levels.
Did they put your AFI on your scan report x

 

[Loubie_2012]

At my hospital you don't keep your notes so I haven't seen any reports but when I was up there yesterday I asked the midwife if it was really low, she wasn't sure about how deep the pools are supposed to be but said my maximum pool was 1cm. I've looked it up and seen they measure either with AFI or with the maximum pool and with the maximum pool if its under 2cm it's counted as low. Seems really low to me but I tried not to freak out as they are still using the term 'slightly lower'. Only thing was they now want me to go back on Friday for another CTG even though they know I'm going on Tuesday for another scan and clinic anyway... They said the CTG was 'beautiful' and don't seem concerned but I didn't expect them to need to check the baby twice a week. I'm glad they are keeping an eye on it though. I was speaking to a woman at my Aquanatal class yesterday and she's been told she has lower fluid but they haven't even requested her in for a scan which makes me think mine must be lower than hers... we'll have to see! Baby is still moving around but think I'll be asking more questions about what it will mean for labour if the fluid stays as it is.

 

[proudparent88]

Hi girls

I had a growth scan and consultant app today. Baby seemed fine was above average with head size, bang on average with femur length and just below average for abdominal size but all were within the normal range. The consultant did however say my fluid level is slightly lower than normal so I have to go back for another scan on 7th April. Has anyone else experienced this? X

I went through this my last pregnancy. It was found at a routine ultrasound at 37 weeks at that time they thought he had only one kidney and that it wasnt functioning properly. Mine was severely low so the next day i went and had an amniocentesis done to see if his lungs were mature they were so induced my labor he was born at 37+1 perfect with both kidneys turned out he just wouldnt roll over for them to see his other kidney. Being slightly low is nothing to worry about and they will just keep watching it to make sure it doesnt go to a dangerously low level if it does usually they induce because low amniotic fluid can cause mental disabilities and things. Right now they are keeping an eye because it isnt bad enough to require induction. Good luck i know how hard that is.

 

[Lez2688]

Thanks for all your replies girls. I had a look at my notes last night and seem my AFL is 9.9cm, I did some google research and found it is just borderline low so hopefully if I drink plenty water it may help. I am glad they are keeping an eye on it though x

 

[pinkbump2011]

Oh that's reassuring for you! I think anything up to 24 is normal. When you get scanned again it may have changed again as mine was 35 an last scan it was 29. But I know it can change due to position of baby etc fx'd your next one is ok x