Low amniotic fluid - any experiences or advice?

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I had a routine growth scan at 32 weeks today. Baby looked fine and seems to be growing nicely. The only concern was a fairly low level of amniotic fluid - 9.6cm in total. I was told that is only a bit low but nonetheless they would want to monitor me more closely. I'm pretty anxious about this pregnancy anyway, after losses and a hard time getting this far. Anyway, I'm booked for a repeat scan in two weeks and was told to go away and monitor movement very closely, just in case. I was a bit shocked by it and didn't really question things as I should have. So I'm just wondering what the experience of others have been or what the view of any experts is - should I push for a repeat scan sooner? Should I be asking for additional monitoring and if so, what sort? As I understand, low fluid can be a sign of placental insufficiency which is a pretty frightening prospect, especially this early. Would welcome any views/experiences - thanks.

Shamelessly bumping. Anyone?

Bumping for you.

I had a scan that showed low amniotic fluid but was a little different to you, as I was already overdue by a couple of days. They ended up inducing me. So no experience with it this early in the pregnancy, but if you're feeling anxious about it, you could push for another scan in a week to check fluid levels again?

Hope someone more experienced sees this and can answer your questions!

I had exactly the same thing as you at my 32 week scan. I too was offered a repeat scan in 2 weeks when i pushed and said I wanted it sooner they said there was no point.

My fluid dropped further to 3.4 and then seemed to pick up slightly to 5.2 and the doctors never seemed that bothered but then told me to watch for movements etc. o felt that i hot conflucting advice a lot. one consultant told me that babies can survive with no fluid at all round them. At our hospital there was an antenatal day unit where if you have any concerns you can go in to be monitored - I did that a couple of times as my imagination ram away with me......

I was given the steroids to develop the baby's lungs as they thought I may have had a slow leak.

Is your baby the right way up? Mine was breach and couldn't turn due to lack if fluid and they also advise against turning with low fluid.

My little girl (the reason I'm typing this so early) is absolutely fine, she was a bit squashed when she came out as she had basically been wedged up against my ribs rather than floating around and her wrist was a bit twisted as she'd sat on her hand for god knows how many weeks and couldn't get it out but she is fine and her wrist is pretty much back to normal. She also had a funny shaped head but this too had corrected itself by. She's 11 weeks old.

Good luck

I've not experienced this but I had extremely low fluid levels when I was expected. This was in 70's with no scanning and my mother was admitted for monitoring and then sent home before being induced at 38 weeks when they decided all fluid was gone.

Not sure this is a helpful post at all except to say I was completely fine from my point of view although I imagine it was all very worrying for my mum at the time.

I had oligohydramnios too. Was measuring about 6 weeks behind and so was sent for a routine check when it was diagnosed. This was about week 34 IIRC - I posted on here about it in the summer. Anyway, I had a weekly scan to check for fluid levels and / or placental flow, I wasn't leaking waters, I just didn't have that much.

At one stage (week 38) movements reduced and the fluid decreased to about 1.8 so I was in for daily monitoring as I wanted to put off the c section for as long as possible (baby was breech). I was warned that the baby would be small and would in likelihood need a spell in NICU and not to be alarmed if the baby was whisked away from us at birth.

Anyway she took matters into her own hands and I went into labour at 38+6, had an EMCS and baby was perfect, 5.13 so not exactly teeny and had an APGAR of 10 so no extra help was needed luckily. Not at all traumatised by her experience unlike her mother and absolutely fine.

Not sure that helps you a lot but I do remember the worry well. Hope you're ok.

I had this with 1st baby 6 years ago. I was monitored and he was born naturally at 40 weeks with no complications. I am currently 34 weeks preg with 3rd baby and it has happened again. Levels of 5.2. I am an inpatient with a uti which caused contractions so they are concerned that I have a leak which could cause infection for the baby. I might have to stay here for 2 weeks of antibiotics and then deliver at 36 weeks, hopefully not though. Fingers crossed there's no leak, have an internal to look forward to this morning!

My friend had low fluid all through her pregnancy.
If i remember correctly (was 3 months ago!) she was monitored every 2 weeks with scans. Told that it was highly likely that the baby would be early.
Was given steroids at about 32 weeks, baby came at 36 weeks.
Baby totally fine, both out the next day. Baby was nearly 7lbs too!
I think as long as they keep monitoring you every 2 weeks to keep an eye on things, you will be fine and they will be prepared.

Thanks all for your responses.

Racmun - yes baby is in the right position, head down, obviously not engaged yet though. I've been told to go in ASAP I have any concerns about movement. I said to DH on the way home that it would be a miracle of we didn't end up going in at some point as I'm now going to be super paranoid.

For those who had more frequent monitoring, what form did it take? I get that there's not much point scanning to check fluid every couple of days but would have thought it makes sense to check baby is still happy. Would that be CTG or is seeing the community midwife to listen in with a Doppler s couple of times a week sufficient? I'm going to call today so need to know what I'm pushing for!

Thanks all - I'm feeling a bit more reassured today though.

Monitoring was by scan (weekly - for growth and fluid/placenta on alternate weeks). Once I went to daily monitoring in the last week it was by CTG (as well as the odd scan,, even on the morning before I went into labour).

I did seem to be in a lot for monitoring, but then baby was breech and I had anterior placenta do it was more difficult to feel movement IYSWIM.

Glad you're feeling better. I was in a complete panic when it was discovered, but I think they go through worst case scenarios with you.

I was scanned for low amniotic fluid and low birth weight. Both turned out to be fine. He was 8.5lbs and there was enough fluid that I was allowed to go well over my due date (+10, I think). The scans had shown a baby of 4-5lbs. They are not perfect.

That said, I had his heartbeat monitored daily for the last 2 weeks which was very reassuring. But he is now a 13 year old spotty teen so the worries are still not over.....