Low amniotic fluid levels at 20weeks

[mrsflowerpot]

Anyone had any experience of this?

Just had my 20 week scan this morning, and they have measured a slightly low level of amniotic fluid - apparently right on the line for the lower end of the normal range. Baby's size is fine, and everything looks OK apart from this. They told me that the blood flow from the placenta is fine, and that the baby's kidneys/bladder are functioning fine. But they want me back in 2 weeks to be scanned again and of course now I am freaking out quietly.

They said they were just being ultra-cautious, but I need to know what they were being cautious about! If the placenta and kidneys etc are fine, what else should I be worrying about? And if I am a bit dehydrated, could that make a difference? I'm off tea and coffee and so I forget to have a drink quite often, getting a bit bored of water.

[fruitful]

I had low fluid with dd. This time they said levels were "ok" at 20 week scan, but midwife says levels are on the low side now (32 weeks) - its really easy to feel what position the baby is in, for example. My midwife says "some women make a lot, some women don't" and tells me not to worry.

If its not the placenta or the baby's kidneys, and you're not leaking, I think those are the major worries out of the way.

The official term is oligohydramnios if you want to Google it (probably scare yourself though).

[eidsvold]

a friend of mine had this through her pregnancy - her fluid levels were monitored closely and he was born at term and fine - hope that helps ease your mind.

[mrsflowerpot]

thank you both, that's really reassuring. I've calmed down now, and they did go out of their way to say the placenta and kidneys are fine. So will just have to see how we go at the next one - which will be my 4th scan for various reasons, it feels like a looong way to 40 weeks...

[franch]

I had this, and ended up being scanned to bits! Remember that even at the very end of the normal range, you are still normal - I had a few scares like this and eventually ended up on that awful spiral of medicalisation (not due to the low fluid in the end - other reasons) - one concern led to another and before I knew it my plans for a normal birth were, completely unnecessarily, thrown out of the window.

I'm not saying this to scare you, just to warn you not to let 'ultra-cautiousness' turn into excessive intervention. Good luck - I'm sure you'll be fine.

[fruitful]

Agree with Franch - next time they want you to book a scan, ask for details of what they're looking for, and what they will do if they find it. They wanted me to have an extra scan at 23 weeks with this pregnancy, to check bloodflow from the placenta because my first baby was a bit small at birth (ignoring the fact that dh is small!). Anyway, I asked what they'd do if they found a problem, and they said, umm, there isn't anything they can do, apart from get the baby out prematurely if it stops growing. Which they'd notice anyway. So I said thanks very much, and failed to book the scan appointment.

Having said that, I'm off for a scan tomorrow to check that my placenta has moved up (was low at 20 weeks). On my midwife's advice I am drinking gallons of water today and tomorrow to temporarily boost my fluid levels, so they can't get their knickers in a twist about that! And dh is coming with me so if they complain the baby is small I shall just point to him...

[mrsflowerpot]

That's good advice, thank you. You're absolutely right about low end of normal still being normal - they always want everyone to be bang in the middle don't they and of course you can't be. In a way I think it will be easier going for a scan that we know there is one definite reason for - yesterday was the general 20 week scan so there were lots of things being looked at and this was just sort of commented on at the end. At least when we go back we will only have this one thing to ask about, so we can focus our minds. (Or at least, dh will have to do that, my ability to focus my mind disappeared a few weeks ago .)

[eidsvold]

friend also managed a spontaneous labour and only ended up with a caesar as the cord was around the babe's neck... mrsflower pot I had a number of scans with dd1 for other reasons. Friend ended up with weekly scans at the end just to check babe's growth mainly.

[samwifewithkid]

Its all protocol when it comes to double checking things, they have to be seen to be doing the right thing and covering their own back. Just look at it like another chance to get to see your baby. I had a low level of fluid at 30 weeks and the week later it was back to normal! They even told me at the time that the babies bladder was full and she was about to wee. So even things like this can make a difference. Just remember that it is really important to drink a lot, fruit juice, water etc... you need to flush your whole system out as your body is working to keep 2 people toxin free and clean inside. I have put a big written reminder on my fridge to drink lots, and it does state the obvious and help me.

[karen01]

mrsflowerpot- just a quickie, I had SPROM (premature rupture of membranes) at about 21weeks with my DD (first pg), Wasn't found until 28weeks various factors gave the consultant the time line, but she had minimal fluid around her (at one stage deepest patch was 2mm) she was born via c section at 36weeks adue to placenta starting to fail, but she was and still is a perfectly healthy child ( infact my 7month (june last year) old son who I had a normal pg with, has been to the drs more times than DD has in her 8 years!!!)

I was kept in hospital from 28weeks until I had her but this was because it was a rupture and to keep a look out for infection etc and IUGR.
I was scanned twice a week one doing growth checks and the doppler.

HTH

Good luck with everything

[smellymelly]

I had this with one of my twins, but by the next scan 2 weeks later they found a larger pocket of fluid lower down.

I had also freaked out though, and looking on the internet led me to drink loads of water, as some research said this can help. It may be boring, but it is worth trying.

BTW twins are 7 weeks tomorrow and doing fine!