Follow up from placenta abruption at 18 weeks. - now very worried about fluid levels.

[usagal]

Hi everyone, -

I am not a regular poster on here - but I do lurk around a fair bit! I did post on the pregnancy thread a couple of months ago about my placenta abruption - thanks to all those who gave support! I managed to beat the odds and have made it to 34 weeks! - However most of my time has been spent in hospital as I have bleeds (quite small ones) once or twice a week. The baby is growing fine and and induction has been arranged for two weeks today - just because if the placenta does pull away completely it will be a medical emergency. My first two children were natural births with no problems or medication at all so I am a bit worried about the induction - but that seems agaes away!
Anyway - I really really wanted some advice if possible about fluid levels. - I have twice weekly scans to check the fluid levels as one of the complications of an abruption is low fluid. So far I have been on the low side of the normal range - but as I am very small anyway I am really not at all worried - until a couple of days ago! - After getting out of bed the other day and being on my feet for about five mins I noticed a large wet patch which had soaked through to my trousers. - I guess it was larger than a tea-plate in diameter but smaller than a dinner plate! - I know my waters had not gone entirely because that happened with dd and there was far more then. The fluid was pink tinged. I decided to wait before going to hospital as I had an appointment within 24 hours anyway - and I am sure they must be sick of the sight of me. - When I did go - the doc - who is lovely told me off! She checked me and there was no sign of any fluid. She did the PH paper test thing and looked under the microscope. She then scanned me (am in the US at the mo so the health care is great!) and the levels had gone down. I am usually about a 12-13 but this time was a 10. - I think still normal! She was concerned so told me to return the next day but I would have to see a different doc (who I also know through me time in hospital) as she was off. The second doctor is also lovely, but when I returned she was just off to a delivery so was very rushed. Literally five mins. Did same checks as first doc except the scan. Again negative. My original doc told me that if the result came back negative they would consider doing an amnio where they put die in the fluid so that if it does leak out there is no question! There was no mention of this yesterday. - I guess I am a little worried about infection - would it be me or the baby that got one? Is it likely that the fluid was amniotic fluid or something else? I feel like I am going mad! - Is it possible to have a leak and then no trace?

sounds like you're doing brillianlty!

the only other thing I've heard of that I suppose it could be is once the baby has engaged (whihc I don't know if yours is), you can lose the small bit of fluid trapped between the top of its head and the cervix (if that makes sense) without losing the rest as the crown of the head 'seals' it in.

If you're still rating 10 and they're not worried I wouldn't get too worked up about it - but if you get a fever do ring them just in case.

Thanks x

I am sure it probably was my hindwaters - but if they go is there an increased risk of infection?

worry worry worry!!!

wow ! well done on getting to 34 weeks, that is tremendous , you must be so relieved

sounds like it could have been a hindwater leak, they do reseal and the waters usually replenish..pretty sure you are meant to drink lots of water if you have low fluid levels...

hindwater leak does not lead to infection like when the forewaters go, on the whole

based on your history, you are high risk so should really go steraight to docs if any problem

if you feel feverish or unwell, then you could have an infection

hope you make it to 36 weeks ! bet you cannot believe you;ve made it this far !

Hindwater leaks can reseal themselves and if you haven't lost more fluid I would guess the chances of infection are pretty low.

Thanks so much for your replies!
Will be so pleased when this is over! I think I was so worried as the first doctor I saw seemed really concerned - and she is usually very laid back. - Then the second doctor I saw is usually a lot more cautious (I KNOW I will not be discharged from hospital on any day she is on call ha ha) - and she didn't appear worried at all - as she was just rushing off! I know there was not really anything else they can do - I just wanted to know if it is possible for the fluid to leak and then be no trace - and I guess the answer to that is yes - therefore I am not going mad! - If any more leaks out I am going to go and present the soiled garments to the doc! (Thats what she told be to do) eeeeeeeeewwwwww!

Hey Usagal, I've been following your story, actually. Have been waiting for you to repost again, but haven't checked for awhile. (I was searching for one of my posts, and while looking for mine, I saw you were in Portland--so am I, actually a suburb, but who cares. I was really excited there was a MNer so close by.) Hope everything is still going ok for you.