Anyone been told that they have low levels of amniotic fluid?

[Mitchell81]

I had my 28 week scan last thursday and have been told that my biggest pool of aminotic fluid was 3cm (apparentely anything under 5cm is low). I have to go back this thursday for another scan to see if it has improved or stayed the same. If you have experienced this can you tell me your story about what happened and what they did? Thank you

Hi, with my second term pregnancy I had Oligohydramnios. It was identified at my 20 week scan. DS had hydronephrosis (kidney issue, was sorted after birth with just antibioitcs), and hadn't been weeing enough. In his case, he had bilateral talipes (club feet), because his feet had been squeezed against my uterine wall.

I was told to drink LOADS, and had frequent scans thereafter, along with tests (with what looked like a pH strip!), to make sure I wasn't leaking fluid. It didn't get worse. Might you be dehydrated? Did they scan your baby's kidneys?

DS's feet are now perfectly functional and he had no further kidney problems.

I should add that if amniotic fluid is really really low, they might want you to consider an ELCS as there is a higher risk of cord compression. I was intending an ELCS anyway and nobody told me I'd've needed one otherwise though. Hope it goes well for you on Thursday.

I had this with dc2, I was monitored and then at 36 weeks my waters broke, labour was induced and healthy dd born, 5lb but no problems, I think they just left alone up to that point because cervix firmly closed and she was growing etc. I also had bleeding and was so scared but it all turned out well. Hope the same goes for you x

Hi with DC4 I had low fluid levels I had follow up scans and they went to high fluid levels but did stablilize. Dc 4 was born a day after her due date weighing over 10 lb's.

Thank you for your responses. It was the same day as my Gestation diabetes test so yes could of been dehydrated as not drank or eaten anything in over 12 hours. Will be having an ELCS as already had 3 sections. I suppose I am worried as my 10 year DD has an unknown genetic syndrome and even though scans say everything is fine with this baby, I am worried that maybe that this is telling me something. Will know more on Thursday I suppose. Thanks again for telling me your experiences.

Loveruthwatson did you have your ELCS early?

I had that with my first baby - they said it was a bit low at a late scan, and checked again after a few weeks. They were going to induce me right then (I think about 38 weeks?) but changed their mind because they deemed it safer in that instance to wait a bit more. In the end she was born (after lengthy induction) on her due date.

ELCS was never mentioned, the only effect they told me about was that the placenta was starting to calcify a little which meant it wouldn't work quite so well.

DD was fine anyway :)

Mine were borderline but I was told to drink more and come back and then they were fine. Dehydration is a significant cause but obviously it could be something more serious so needs checking.

I'm 28+5 and had a scan last week and was told my amniotic fluid index was on the 5th centile (at 7cm in total, with the largest pool 3cm). I read that anything under 5cm in total for the four pools is low (not 5cm for the largest pool).

They booked me in for another scan 4 days later and I spent the days in between drinking litres and litres of water. By the time I had the next scan, the amniotic fluid index had gone up to 12cm and the largest pool was 4.5cm. The consultant said that drinking more water wouldn't make a difference, so perhaps the two aren't linked, but I'm definitely making an effort to drink more water than normal from now on.

Well been trying to drink lots to see if that will help. Will know in the morning.

Justaboutwillfinishherthesis When did they know with you and when did they decide that 36 weeks you would have your ELCS?

Fluid still low today but slightly up from last week so I have to be scanned again next week, looks like weekly scans unless things improve.

Not worried as baby moving lots, just a pain with 3 other kids having to go to maternity hospital which is 45 minutes drive away. But better be safe and know baby is fine.

My thoughts exactly!!!!!! Also I paid for a gender scan at 16 weeks to put my mind at rest as not sure if the syndrome is linked to girls. Scan said boy but at 28 week scan I couldn't see any boy bits, so going back next sat for a private scan for free to confirm sex. Nhs don't like telling you. So too many scans so not very exciting iykwim. Although nice to know baby is all fine.