Amniotic fluid measurement of 26.4cm at 36 weeks - scared, anyone else had this?

[GumtreeGirl]

Hi,

I was measuring large for dates this week - 40cm at 36 weeks, and at the scan they told me that my AF was 26.4cm.

The baby's measurements are largish, but within normal levels - about 75% for abdominal and head measurements, and they didn't seem too worried about this.

Anyway, like a fool I went on Google looking at polyhydramnios and have now terrified myself. (Why oh why do I do this, etc..?)

I asked the sonographer if there would need to be a follow-up, and she said that my midwife would discuss it with me at the next appointment. However, this is 10 days away which seems a lifetime, so I'm going to call her tomorrow and have a chat.

In the meantime, has anyone had a similar experience who can reassure me a bit? Is the 26cm a massive amount or just over what's OK? I'm so worried now, not just about the birth (but really, I don't care if it's an induction or section just as long as it goes well), but about whether then baby is OK.

Thanks for any advice

Rachel

I was also measuring ahead from 34 weeks and had a liquor volume scan at 39 weeks showing an AFI of 24.7. Like you I panicked. This was just below the official polyhydramnios cut-off of 25. Went in for assessment a few days later and AFI had dropped to 17 then a third scan before induction last week at 40+12 and it had dropped again to 15. No issues at all and nothing was mentioned about it.

DS is apparently perfect and one week old today! So don't worry. AFAIK the main immediate concern will be if your waters go and baby is not engaged as this can potentially result in cord prolapse if force of waters going brings the cord down first. If baby is engaged they will not be so concerned. Do you know if yours is? On the early side yet I suppose, but high levels of fluid can result in early delivery due to the pressure on the membranes.

Have you been checked for gestational diabetes, as this can be a cause of excess fluid? Was not in my case but DS is almost a ten pounder which might explain it.

Hi JeelyPiece,

Thanks for your reply - I'm hoping that my reading, although a bit higher than yours, will come down too. The baby's head isn't engaged (this is my second so I don't think they engage until right before labour starts?), so I guess this is something they'll monitor.

I was given the all clear for GD when they did the test at 20 weeks (or whenever it was), but I suppose I could have developed it in the interim. Seems like I've got bigger fairly quickly, as I was measuring OK for dates 2 weeks ago.

And my first was 9.5lbs, so a big lad too - like you say could explain why.

Thanks again!

At 32wks I was measuring 3 wks ahead & carrying alot of excess fluid (don't know actual figures). Got tested for GD but ok. When I went back for scan at 34wks fluid was ok & baby was only measuring 2 wks ahead so everything is apparently ok now!

I saw my consultant at 38wks & he doesn't think (from just looking/feeling bump) that it's going to be that big or that I'm carrying that much fluid.

DD arrived at 33wks (the reason for my extra scans) weighing 5lb 2oz so I'm hoping mine just have a big growth spurt at around 32wks and don't carry on at quite the same rate!

I have three babies and with the last too I was having ultrasounds weekly since week 35 form low AF. I was scared obviously. My 2 first children were born at week 38 and the AF was greenish so with my third they didnt want to risk as the AF was low too and induced me to labor at 38w. The AF was turning greenish too. They told me at 38w that the baby look real week like 40 w baby but turned out to be 3.275 kg girl so I dont know how they measure it. Dont worry too much they are trying to be careful but maybe you go to the end without trouble just extra checks. good luck!!!