Fluid around the baby (sorry if tmi)

[Newmum0113]

Hi all,

Just a quick one to see if anyone else has experienced this.

I'm 38w today. Yesterday I had my GD appt and all was well except that from the scan the fluid around the baby has halved in 2 weeks - it was 10 but now only 5.2.

The nurse asked if I'd been leaking or had any discharge, which I said I have had discharge but not really leaking as such. If so then the next course of action would be different...but didn't say what.

She wanted to do an examination which I agreed to, and she was happy I wasn't leaking. They took a swab and I have to phone for the results on Kinday.

Now I'm slightly worried that there isn't enough fluid for the baby. Although she was happy and sent me home.

Baby still moving as normal and I'm still having a bit if discharge - but that's normal in pregnancy anyway...!?!?!

Confused and concerned. Any advice welcome. TIA.

Keep an eye on baby's movements and go straight into hospital if you're at all concerned. It might mean getting induced if fluid levels stay low but baby is full term now so there shouldn't be any problems with this.
Good luck!

I hate the way our HCPs give us half stories! She really should've taken time to explain.

I don't have anything concrete to offer, but the volume of fluid does reduce in the final weeks.

Could you call your community midwife for a chat?

Also, are you in Leeds OP?

Amniotic fluid volume decreases toward the end of pregnancy to some degree. Because your area not actively leaking your fluid level will be fine. If your were actively leaking the concern would be that it would continue to decrease to too low a level. If she is happy and has sent you home then you should be assured that the fluid levels are fine.

The swab will be to check for infection. If your waters have broken, There is a high infection risk. But there could be other reasons for lower levels of fluid. At your gestation, fluid has done its job helping to form the internal organs of your baby.

I'd agree that induction soon is probably on the cards. Talk to your midwife so you can get more information and clearly explain the situation.

Ds had reduced fluid, he was induced at 39+3 currently curled up next to me watching swashbuckle on cbeebies. Should maybe clarify that he is 4 and his choice of programme. It was fine although he is dc3 so pelvis barely holding together anyway. They were keen to get him out but it didn't feel too pressured, just had the progesterone pessary. Congratulations, oh and time to pack hospital bag just in case.

Hi all thanks for your replies.

Just to update baby is still moving fine as normal and not too much discharge over the day or last night. If any more overnight I will be calling hospital tomorrow for advice.

Would really love to be cuddling my little girl by Monday. I'm almost ready for Christmas, only one present left to buy and 5 to wrap up, and got all the birth announcement cards ready, just need a photo and the final details then they're finished too!

(Not normally an advocate of pre-December Christmas, but I want to enjoy my baby as much as possible when she's born!)

Feeling ready for get arrival, so I guess I'll go over my dates!?!? :-)

Thanks again everyone!

Dont worry hun. This is perfectly normal for ur fluid to reduce at this stage

If they are concerned, they will keep a close eye on you. But if baby is measuring ok then there is nothing that can really be done

Rest up and drink plenty fluids to keep u hydrated.
If ur waters brake or u suspect they are leaking, contact hospital straight away as there is an increased chance of infection to baby. After 72 hours of waters being broken and there is still no baby, they would prob start u on intravenous antibiotics