low amniotc fluid - is this bad?

[jenster1976]

HI, I'm 37 weeks and going for another growth scan tomorrow. I think they're being over cautious, but at 34 weeks, they said i had low amniotic fluid, is this a bad thing, what can happen - the baby is v active and I feel fine...

Hi Jenster. I did some research on this yesterday as I was told mine was on the low side too at my growth scan. In the event, I was told it was okay at the consultant's appt. There are several reasons why I wouldn't worry if I were you:

• your levels of fluid will be naturally going down anyway by 36 weeks

• check what your level is. As I understand, it's not low unless it's under 5cm.

• as you're in your third trimester, there seem to be less probs implied with low levels of fluid and the baby.

Sometimes they seem more inclined to induce women with v low levels, but this article on Babycentre says: "many studies have found that there is no increased risk of either fetal distress or caesarean delivery amongst babies born around their due date, with little fluid, compared to those with a normal level of fluid (Venturini et al 2005)." A friend told me her friend was told she recently had low levels and went on to labour fine and naturally too, with no problems to her or the baby.

Good luck with your appt tomorrow - sure it'll all be fine.

I had low fluid, probably because I had a small baby (they wee less!).

It was only a problem cos she was also coming feet-first and they didn't want to risk trying to turn her, with not much fluid to cushion her.

Thanks for that - I'll let you know how I get on, it's just that i want to go the local birth centre rather than the hospital, and i'm worried they'll say no because of it. But i'll know one way or another today!