too much amniotic fluid

[Ffion3107]

Did anyone have this during pregnancy?
My midwife thinks, from feeling my belly, that I'm carrying too much water, I'm 37 weeks but measuring only a week ahead (have been since week 32). I'm being seen my a consultant on Tuesday to check whether I am or not.
However, she hasn't told me what will happen if I am carrying too much. And I've stupidly googled the risks so now I'm worried.

[KatamariDamacy]

Hi. I had this (called polyhydramnios) suspected with my second pregnancy and confirmed with my third. Basically, with DC3 I was always enormous (measuring about 6-8 weeks ahead) which was how it was picked up.

You'll probably have a scan where they will work out something called the AFI (amniotic fluid index -
a measure of how much waters you have). IIRC they will begin to be concerned if it is much over 20.

You'll have probably read a lot is scary stuff. My consultant was very much of the opinion that isn't wasn't much to worry about - just one of those things. I can go into more specifics if you'd like.

The likelihood is that it's just a variety of normal. I'd been planning a homebirth which wasn't recommended with the polyhydramnios, but everyone was very much of the opinion that I'd most likely go into labour normally and have a healthy baby. However, the excess waters were causing my baby to change position a lot (called unstable lie - one of the complications of polyhydramnios) and for various reasons I was induced at 39 weeks and had a straightforward labour and healthy baby.

If you have polyhydramnios (which is still an 'if' at this stage) they may just want to keep an eye on you, especially if it isn't severe. If your baby appears healthy from your 20-week scan and is in a good position, all will probably be fine.

Hope this helps - I read up a lot on this so can be more detailed if you need. Best of luck.

[Ffion3107]

Aah thankyou, I feel much better! She also thinks the baby is breech, but said a doctor may be able to move him (ouch?!) And if unsuccessful, some midwives are happy to and are experienced in delivering breech babies.

[KatamariDamacy]

Yup, breech is more likely with polyhydramnios. They didn't try turning my baby because he was really mobile and kept flipping in all directions, so if they'd have turned him, he'd have probably just turned back. However, a lot of fluid in there means turning your baby is more likely to be easy and successful. There's also time for your baby to turn of its own accord - all 3 of mine didn't get head down until 38-39 weeks.

Breech vaginal delivery is a possibility, but my understanding is that it depends on finding a midwife who is confident to go ahead. Watch out for being offered 'breech extraction' which is a package of consultant-led care including epidural, stirrups, forceps and episiotomy. Some midwives will do more of a hands-off breech delivery. All questions to ask.

[YoureAllABunchOfBastards]

Had this with both of mine.

When your waters go, it can be dramatic - think Niagara. But other than that all OK

[SexNamesRFab]

I had this. DH and I googled lots and scared ourselves silly. DD2 turned out absolutely perfect, there was no reason for it.

It put a lot of stress on the end of my pregnancy - physically as well as mentally. When I went into labour I was already exhausted, so opted for epidural. The excess water makes it more difficult for baby to get into place and so I knew intervention might be necessary and wanted to be prepared if that happened.

Bastards - I weighed myself immediately after my waters went and I'd lost almost a stone!