low amniotic fluid - is this bad?

[jenster1976]

does anyone know what the implications of low amniotic fluid are? At 34 week scan they measured it at 7, and they're sending me for another scan tomorrow,to check that and because i'm still small for dates, should i be worried? Baby is active and i've had good pregnancy so far....

I had low levels in my first pg (1996) the deepest pool was 1. I was in hospital from 28weeks till 36were she was born by c-section, but she came ealy beacause I also had placenta problems.. she was classed as small for dates and weighed 4lb 14oz and very healthy..

They said the same thing to me with my first cant remember the level though but I was having scans every three days towards the end! I was induced at 38 weeks as they got worried but my DS was 7.1lb when he was born and again really healthy!

Good info in this site, but listen to you m/w and consultant on this one - you may have to rethink your birth plan so be prepared for that. Good luck with it, lots of positive outcome stories on MN.

There is something called an amniotic fluid index, they can calculate it by measuring the pockets of fluid (using ultrasound). Anything below 5 is a bit of a worry. If below 5 usually indicates a problem with the placenta. 7 actually isn't all that that low. Are you drinking plenty of water? Maternal dehydration is a common reason for measuring low. So slug a nice big bottle of Evian before you go for your scan tomorrow.