Low amniotic fluid at the end of pregnancy

[16more]

I’m 38+3 and had a scan about 2 weeks ago for low PAPP-A and the lady who did the scan asked if I was leaking any fluid, I said I didn’t think so, and then didn’t mention anything else. When I saw my midwife today she looked at the scan results and was really annoyed that I wasn’t sent straight to the ante natal clinic as the scan showed the levels of fluid were too low. So I’ve got an appointment on Friday to see a consultant, does anyone know what they will do? Has anyone had this and still gone on to deliver normally as I’ve just read c sections are common with this and now I’m panicking!

Hello @16more!

I am sorry that they weren't on top of it sooner :(

With my DS, I was 41 weeks to the day, I went in for a check up and the nurse noticed that the amniotic fluid was low and my son had very little movement. They sent me straight to labor and delivery to be induced.

I was in labor for about 24hrs until they decided on an Emergency C-section, since my son and I were not taking the induction too well.

The C-section wasn't too bad, I was in the hospital for about 5 days (had a mini infection) but I healed pretty nicely. I am pregnant now with my 2nd and believe it or not, I am leaning towards a C-section this time around as well! Just not too fond of the idea of choosing my child's arrival date (weird I know lol)

Are you dilated at all? I was induced without any signs of labor (0cm dilated).

@Applesnow22 It’s very frustrating. Do you remember how much you had? Was there a measurement? Im sure baby is still moving around alright so that must be a good sign, I haven’t noticed a dip. I’m not sure if I’m dilated as I haven’t had an internal exam but it’s my 3rd baby so I would imagine I’m at least 1cm - that’s another reason why I’m terrified of having a section, having the 2 little ones to look after as well. It’s good to know they didn’t immediately resort to c section. And I can imagine how weird it is choosing the birthday
Glad all was well for you in the end xx

I was sent to the clinic after my midwife noticed I was measuring small for dates. I had a scan and was diagnosed with oligohydramniosis (too little water). I can't remember how little, as it was 20 years ago!) but there was a graph on the wall of the consultant's room and my level was off the bottom of the graph!

I was 36 weeks and was given alternate days fetal monitoring in the hospital after that, with a date at 37 weeks to be induced - but I went into spontaneous labour just before 37 weeks. DD was fine.

All I can remember is that I went in for my 40week scan at triage and the fluid was completely fine, within a week's time, it was low enough that they wanted me to be induced that same day.

I know my DS had fluid in there, just not enough.

And congratulations on your 3rd! That is exciting. I can imagine if the other two were vaginal births, being induced, you should be able to give birth vaginally since your body has done it twice before.

I think you should be fine. My son just had NO signs of coming out at the time and being induced, on top of it being my first pregnancy, I feel as if a C-section was destined to happen lol.

I was found to have lost most of my amniotic fluids at 38 weeks after a growth scan because my bump was measuring too small. They told me I needed to be induced immediately as the baby could be at risk. I tried to push back as I really wanted to wait and see if the baby would come naturally but they sat me down and told me it was too dangerous as the lack of fluids could cause infection and also meant that the placenta might have stopped working. I was induced the next morning and by that evening I had my beautiful baby boy in my arms. Good luck. Just know that whatever they're recommending, it's for the best health of your little one!

@Applesnow22 congratulations to you too! X
Looks like I need to prepare for potential induction, but surely if it were that bad they wouldn’t want to leave it another 3 days before I’m seen, who knows. Will have to wait and see. I don’t want to be induced either but definitely got to see past that and think of what’s best for baby. With any luck I’ll go on my own before Friday

I have had this in both my pregnancies around the 36 week mark. I felt damp down there which was apparently a sign that I was leaking waters but midwifes ignored and said this feeling is common at a late stage of pregnancy. I went to the hospital both times because my bump visibly shrunk and baby's movements were painful. I had an early induction which failed and led to a section with my first pregnancy. With the second I was monitored daily from 36 weeks, drank a lot of fluids and rested as much as I could and managed to get to 40 weeks before having another section. In my case I also have a stubborn cervix which won't dilate. I was not allowed to go over my due date as the drs were concerned about stillbirth so have no idea if ds would have arrived naturally or not.