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Pregnancy

Reduced Fluid?! what next?

13 replies

HarriboHarribo · 28/06/2017 19:40

Hi I am currently 32 weeks today. So to cut a long story short at my 20 week scan they found an 'amniotic band' that I was told was nothing to worry about but given a consultant appointment anyway. Since then at every single midwife appoinent I have been referred for a growth scan as I am always measuring 10 cm or so too small with the tape measure. the first growth scan showed no concern, baby was normal size and the amniotic band was gone. Anyway I had a second growth scan monday just gone and was told that baby's growth was normal but has slowed down ever so slightly but the main thing is the fluid surounding baby has reduced! I haven't lost anything that I've noticed. I was told to record baby's movements which I feel have slowed down too.(spent hours at the hospital due to 6 hours of no movements to have a CGT monitor which they were worried about but was told to go home and just wait til the fetal medicine scan) And have been booked in for a fetal medicine scan? I was wondering if anyone has had the same issues? What was the outcome? What can I ecpect from the fetal medicine scan?

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AnUtterIdiot · 28/06/2017 19:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HarriboHarribo · 28/06/2017 19:50

I'm not too sure what caused it, but the consultant said drinking more won't help in getting the levels back up. I have been keeping hydrated even so though as it can't hurt to keep hydrated :)

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deuscat · 28/06/2017 19:54

What did they measure the level to be? I had reduced fluid levels with DD and I was scanned fortnightly and then weekly from 28 weeks when it was first discovered. Mine was linked to pre-eclampsia which I also had in my first pregnancy so I was at high risk of it. They had to keep a close eye on baby's growth and the fluid levels and did weekly Doppler scans to check blood flow from cord to baby. Depending on all this they might discuss inducing you from 37 weeks onwards. I'm guessing you've seen or will see a consultant?

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HarriboHarribo · 28/06/2017 20:02

AFI: 7.6cm with deepest pool 2.2cm. I'm not sure what all that means if I'm honest haha. New to this baby business. I haven't been told I am at risk of preclampsia at all throughout pregnancy. But am worried that the fluid has reduced. I think the fetal medicine scan is performed by an actual consultant as oppose so a sonographer but I am worried as it's not until monday what might happen between now and then? Is it very dangerous or quite a minor situation?

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willymcwill · 28/06/2017 20:17

Low fluid levels are also known as Olihydramnios; I had this with dc1 (and then the opposite which is polyhydramnios with dc2). It can be an indication that there is a problem with the placenta, hence them wanting a more detailed scan and keeping an eye on you (and you being eagle-eyed with the movements).

With me they did a follow-up scan, and then weekly scans whilst the levels stayed stable (I had not had any fluid loss) and then when they dropped more they saw me twice in one week and then decided to deliver. I was 37 weeks by that stage, had been monitored since about 32. Low fluid levels can mean baby grows less well and becomes unhappy (hence the monitoring of movements) so they will keep a close eye on you especially if baby is slower growing than the 'average'. They will also keep an eye on baby and may look more closely at kidneys/bladder as low fluid could also mean that the kidneys aren't getting rid of the water baby drinks properly.

Oh and AFI and deepest pool are two ways of assessing the level of fluid - one is trying to calculate the overall volume of fluid (tricky!) and the other is just looking for the deepest bit, which apparently is a better indication of fluid levels.

In my case, my 'growth restricted' baby was born at 37 weeks weighing 9lbs and was perfectly healthy. Now they have noticed that something 'may' be outside of the 'norm' fhey will keep a close eye on you so try not to worry.

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willymcwill · 28/06/2017 20:21

Correction, it's oligohydramnios (just looked at my notes as I'm pregnant again so have my history on there!). Not got my measurements though, it was some time ago!

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deuscat · 28/06/2017 20:24

They get concerned if deepest pool is less than 4cm and they become unhappy if it's less than 2cm. Mine was consistently 2.5cm although tone week it dropped to 1.5cm and they had me in for more CTG monitoring. Keep a close eye on movements and if you're at all worried at any time please phone them and explain.

I delivered my low fluid levels baby at 37 weeks. I was induced due to oligohydramnios, feral growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. She is a bouncing and bubbly 3 month old now.

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deuscat · 28/06/2017 20:25

Fetal not feral

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Chaotica · 28/06/2017 20:26

I had this with DS. You can expect more monitoring as it might be to do with the placenta and can affect growth. I had weekly scans, doppler's and heart rate (ECG) every other day, more if the ECG was suspicious.

DS was born at 37w and was 9 1/2 lb (no growth restriction there!). But the consultant was right as it turned out the placenta was failing at that point and he might not have made it to term.

The only long lasting effect was that DS was born with a stiff neck and frozen shoulder and needed physio when he didn't start lifting his head and rolling as he should. Low fluid meant he was 'stuck' in the same position for ages.

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Chaotica · 28/06/2017 20:27

CTG, not ECG (motherhood took my memory!)

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HarriboHarribo · 28/06/2017 20:29

Thank you so much, that makes more sense. I'm not sure if my baby's growth is restricted but I know they said they're worried her movements might be as she is very low down and still breech with her legs fully extended. Without the extra fluid she can't seem to move as she's been in the same position for every single scan (we've had 5 so far). Do you know what they will do after this in depth scan? Will I just be monitored from then? I know I shouldn't think the worst but it is hard not to like all is ladies do in pregnancy. Do you think I would need to prepare for an extra early arrival?

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Chaotica · 28/06/2017 20:36

I think you have to wait for the scan. My consultant took it day by day (pretty much) and prepared me for an early arrival. They might give you steroids just in case. I was kept in overnight a couple of times too. Keep an eye on movements andn go back if you're worried.

Should add that the baby who couldn't move is now a sporty, strong 9 year old.

Good luck.

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HarriboHarribo · 28/06/2017 20:38

Thank you all so much! Its been frustrating being told we have something that we don't really understand haha 😀