34 weeks with Polyhydramnios

[Kittycaz]

Hello everyone, since 28 weeks my bump has been measuring big always 5 weeks ahead in chart. 1st time it measured big I was sent growth scan where they saw a good size baby but no real issues and put it down to the fact I am tall. Anyway fast forward to last week at 33 week appointment I had a different midwife who again measured me at 38cm and sent me hospital. So thought when I got to my scan they'd tell me same as last time. Baby was measuring 5lb 2oz. As I laid there on the bed sonographer rushed off to get a midwife and they discussed in hushed tones they then said your fluid is measuring high not massively but 27 when it's classed as high anywhere over 25. So they sent me to pregnancy day unit who then ran to speak to consultant Dr all this time im really confused. Midwife came back and said we need to scan you again check babies mouth and stomach. So now I'm freaking a bit and midwife keeps saying "no need to worry" which inevitably makes me more worried. Scan goes well no issues on mouth or stomach back to preg day care who book me in for bloods day after. GTT and a variety of diseases. That all came back nothing wrong. I've got a repeat scan on Monday but my brain just can't switch off thinking about this, he is my rainbow baby as I suffered a loss mmc last year at 12 weeks. I've grown so attached to my little man and when he's wriggling around it makes me so happy. He's cephalic and getting engaged In my pelvis and am getting very excited for his arrival. My question really is this can I hear your stories if you had polyhydramnios and how the birth was. Thankyou. X

I had this and ended up bigger than someone full term with twins according to the doctor. They said it was gross polyhydramnios so hopefully you won't get so big. I was induced at 33 weeks, but they drew off some of the excess fluid first as the placenta could have become detached if they just let the waters burst. Because I had so much fluid they had to make sure everything contracted down properly after the birth but other than that I was fine and had a normal delivery. My condition was due to a bowel problem with the baby but your baby has been checked and it sounds like it's just excess fluid. My son was fine after an operation and has had no ongoing problems, and is now a 6ft 33 year old. I had no problems after the birth and had 2 further normal pregnancies.

Hope this helps and everything goes smoothly for you.

@Kittycaz were in exactly the same boat!! I'm 35 weeks tomorrow with my first and I've been having lots of scans for excess fluid also. It's been a long road for us and conceived with clomid.

I've came out of every consultation appointment feeling very deflated and upset as doc seems to suggest I won't be able to have the birth I want (water birth at midlife led), and now saying I'm at more risk of bleeding heavily and will need to be monitored throughout including to have a cannula after I've given birth etc, basically saying I'm not low risk anymore, saying she's put me down to have a induction 😫 I've been doing hypnobirthing and was all for their methods, felt quite prepared but I think I now need to adjust myself for other methods of giving birth and thinking positively about it, it's hard though and I feel quite anxious now.

Everything fine with baby we've been told too, and apparently 'nothing to worry about, just needs monitoring' and it's not high enough to be a massive concern?! It's out of the normal lines on the chart though. We've had sooo many scans throughout too, tbh just want them to leave baby alone now and let me enjoy the time I have left instead of stressing me out. I know they are looking after me but it just feels like they are trying to control everything.

Would love to keep in touch and see how your getting on, my due date is 05/05.

Oh if you read into polyhydrominos stories on here they seem pretty positive which has helped me a bit, but just basically saying all went fine was just like a tidal wave when baby came out 🤣 🌊 xx

I had it but it wasn't picked up until my waters broke. My consultant said the baby's position must have 'hidden' the excess fluid.
I had gestational diabetes which resulted in a large baby too and was huge. Induced at 38 weeks and he was 9lbs. I couldn't drive towards the end of the pregnancy because I was so big I couldn't reach the pedals or steering wheel.

When my waters were broken the poor midwife was covered and it kept coming every time I moved, soaked a load of pads, the floor, the bed, dh and 2 midwives then hours later when I had an emcs I heard a popping sound and there was even more (not a medical problem but it was awkward!)

No issues because of the polyhydramnios. If it's been found now for you you'll get the right care and precautions though, good luck for the rest of your pregnancy.

@rach1stbaby I did hypnobirthing also and had an induction. I found really positive and you can use all of your techniques, when you write your birth preferences you can cover what you want the induction to be like and still have a birth you want (but think about interventions too and include them). I found the midwives were really supportive and didn't have to ask me much because it was all in the preferences.

I had to have a controlled breaking of my waters and it was really weird.Two OB's in the room;epidural set up incase I needed to go to theatre if things went wrong.

One of the OB inserted her entire hand into my vagina and placed it under my cervix as a plug.The waters were broken with the hook thing they use and my waters were slowly released.

I could literally hear my waters running off the bed but once all was done I was able to carry on normally with my labour

I had that at 37 weeks. All my reading suggested that if there was only a bit more fluid than the normal range then it was really unlikely that anything was wrong with the baby. The doctor suggested induction at 39 weeks, because of a small increased risk of cord prolapse when the waters break. By 39 weeks my fluid levels had just creeped back into the normal range so the doctor was happy to let me wait for labour to start. In the end I was induced at 40+12 and I did wonder if the extra fluid stopped the DS from properly engaging with my cervix and getting labour started.
Even so, it was a really positive birth, the best of my three, despite him being a great deal bigger than my other two! He's had no health problems is now a non-stop 2-year old. One of the advantages of being induced is you have a midwife with you all the time, rather than just popping in every so often. I found this really reassuring.
Good luck! I know how hard every worry is for rainbow babies

I had this for one. Severe and I was told I would likely go into labour approx 6 weeks early as a uterus can only contain and stretch so much. Wrong! I went to due date. Much bigger than with twins. Whilst my uterus did me a favour at the time by being so accommodating, the after effect was it didn’t shrink back to normal postpartum size and from then on had people congratulating me on another pregnancy. The only solution was a hysterectomy and my preference was just to keep telling everyone I wasn’t pregnant.

Had a normal birth, and even though waters broke prior to labour still flooded the room and drenched everyone involved. OB threw both their clothes and shoes out even though they had normal protective covers as that did zilch.

@rach1stbaby I'm due 6/5 so am only one day behind you. Its nice to hear someone else is going through similar though. Think it's because I've never heard of it until now really are you starting to feel really uncomfortable? The lightning crotch sensations are getting real strong now. How big was your little one at your last scan x

It's amazing to read your stories ladies it makes me feel more confident. I will probably worry until he's safe in my arms. I'm glad my midwives are gonna keep a closer eye on me though.

Interesting and following ladies @Kittycaz @rach1stbaby I'm 33+4 and due 14th May, so similar to you both and also have polyhydramnios. Have been told everything else ok, have always been consultant led due to recurrent MCs previously and have another growth scan next week. Has it been discussed with either of you how early they may induce?
My last fluid volume was also 27cm so exactly the same as you @rach1stbaby 😊

@bez91 do you think they will induce? I wouldn't mind if I knew baby will be OK. Are they inducing you? I find out Monday what the plan is. Hospital bag is packed just incase though. X

@MajesticallyAwkward thanks so much for replying to my comment. Yes I'm trying to get my head around alternate ways of giving birth and the fact I may have to be induced. I only had this conversation on Monday so it's a bit raw still, I'm coming to terms with it now. As long as baby is happy, healthy and delivered in the best way possible that all I can ask for ❤️

@Kittycaz ohh our dates couldn't be any closer then really! No I've not been feeling uncomfortable at all, nothing has changed really my whole pregnancy, I've had a really great the whole time so I can't complain too much. She's estimated to be 5.8 pounds, slightly bigger than average apparently and think that's all linked in with this excess fluid. I had to do the gestational diabetes finger prick test for a week and it all came back fine, they all came back fine so they don't know what's causing it. I'm trying to stay hopeful that it will go down towards the end as other have suggested from other posts. My fluid was measuring 26/27ish according to this chart, it dropped since the last time so fingers crossed 🤞🏻

@bez91 Hello! Someone else in our position 😊, seems like it's quite common, all our readings seem to be around the same - 27ish! Induction at 40 weeks I think the doc said she'd put on record, so a pretty normal time to have an induction. I really wanted a spontaneous labour though so wanted to allow at least 41weeks for it to happen naturally and when baby wants to come out ❤️ everything is our choice though at the end of the day, they can only recommend these things to us. Happy to listen to the professionals but want to weigh up benefits risks etc, using my B.R.A.I.N (if anyone does hypnobirthing they will understand lol). X

@rach1stbaby I didn't get a chart but my previous growth scan at 28 weeks my afi was 14 and my 33 week scan said 27. Ooo we are close I'm back in hospital tomorrow to see what my fluid levels are and see consultant. I'm feeling quite uncomfortable he's got his head in my pelvis but also one of his arms (every u/s I've had his hand is near his face) so when he's moving its kicks near my ribs and punching my bladder and cervix. Very excited to meet him. Not long now x

I had polyhydramnios diagnosed around 30 weeks and it was related to having gestational diabetes. Weirdly, I was only tested for the GD after my midwife decided my bump was measuring too big - at the hospital for tbe GD test when they asked why I was there (no other risk factors) I could tell they thought this was a bit silly. But the midwife's instinct was correct. I was really worried for the rest of the pregnancy about the polyhydramnios but it did go down and I delivered a perfectly healthy 7lb baby girl. Try not to worry.

@1Wanda1 thankyou, were you able to have a natural Labour or did you have to be induced if you don't mind me asking x

@Kittycaz I had severe polyhydramnios with one of my twins. Deepest pool was 18 at its worst and I was scanned twice weekly to check if they needed to drain 1.5l of fluid. I panicked too but they could see a stomach bubble and swallowing. I worried about rarer genetic conditions.

My son will be 2 in a couple of weeks and is perfectly healthy. I had an elcs because of the excess fluid, apparently there was a risk of a footling breech if I went into labour naturally. Good luck!

@Kittycaz good luck for tomorrow, hoping that fluid goes down for you! My next scan isn't until the 11th. Some more comments on here saying the fluid went down towards the end so this fills me with hope!! Xx

@rach1stbaby I had my scan fluid is still high but a tiny bit down from before (26 instead of 27) but my little boy was wriggling so much the sonographer struggled. She checked his cord and mouth, stomach. And then told me baby is measuring above 90th centile so sent me to the consultant. As I waddled in the door he checked with me asking if I was sure I was only 35 weeks. He then said I gotta have another scan on 20th if my fluid is still measuring above 25cm then they gonna induce me at 38 weeks to be on safe side. He told me if my waters break ring hospital straight away and they will get me in as there is the risk of cord prolapse. I hope my waters don't break and holds out til 20th but it's amazing to think I could meet my boy in less than 20 days time. So exciting. Will you let me know how you get on with your scan on 11th x

Interesting to see your progress @rach1stbaby @Kittycaz hope scans in the next couple of weeks give you some reassurance or dates as to when you might be meeting your babies.
I had my scan yesterday, bizarrely my AFI has dropped almost 10cm in 2 weeks down to 18.2cm so it is now completely normal and baby measuring exactly ad they should, it means induction is off the plan for now, they'll rescan in 3 weeks just to make sure all ok

I had polyhydramnios with DS2
I went in for a scan at 36wks (I was being scanned every week at the end as I have a health condition) and they suggested they bring my planned section forward from 39wks to a couple of days time, giving me extra steroids for baby's lungs to give it an boost. I wasn't surprised because I had told them I would have the baby early (DS1 came at 36&5) and that booking for 39 weeks would be too late.
I spent 2 days in hospital having steroids and then on the morning of my rearranged c-section my waters broke as I was getting ready for theatre. I was offered the choice of trying naturally or continuing with the section but after my experience with my first I opted to continue with the section.
When my waters broke, there were literally waves on the floor there was so much fluid.
I couldn't go to theatre until the gushing stopped so it was delayed for 1/2 an hour. DS was completely fine a healthy 7lbs at 37wks exactly.
I did get stretch marks as that last week my skin was stretched so tight due to the polyhydramnios it was permanently scarred on the side but it's such a small thing it doesn't matter.

@bez91 that's really good news I'm kinda hoping when I go back for my next scan they say that to that it's back to normal. But I'm prepared incase it isn't.

@wonkylegs it's nice to hear your experience that everything went well. The positive experiences helps my anxiety a bit. I've been getting stabbing feelings in my cervix for last few days I think he's dropped quite low. So shall see if I even make it to my scan in 12 days lol.

@Kittycaz great news that your fluid went down a bit though!! I feel like it goes down more commonly than increases/stays up from peoples stories I've read. Aww I'm glad your happy about meeting your baby sooner. Personally I'm wanting to avoid induction so having everything crossed for fluid going down and a spontaneous birth. Hopefully these pains you are now having is natural labour, exciting!!! To be honest, I still don't know why docs suggesting me being induced when my baby is on the 50th percentile, so measuring perfectly? I really need to quiz her on Monday after scan, I'm allowed my partner now also so that will help understand (he hasn't been allowed to go previously due to covid restrictions). I have family history of high blood pressure and diabetes so maybe something to do with it. Always feel a total mess coming out of these appointments and overwhelmed at all their medical talk. I'll keep you updated 😊🤞🏻

@bez91 ahh that's amazing! As of it can go down that quickly, super pleased for you. Fingers and toes crossed for me on Monday, I was only 26cm last time anyway so considered 'mild' as far as I'm aware, but still enough concern that they want to keep scanning me I guess... x

@Kittycaz my scan went really well today!!! I'm back within the 'normal range', on the higher end of the normal range still but the consultant said it's no longer a problem anymore! It went down to 21cm, which is great. Baby is drifting towards the 70th percentile now and is estimated to be 6lbs 13! Not sure if that's good or bad lol, I'm just so pleased she's ok in there and the fluid is no longer considered an issue 🥰❤️

I asked about induction again too and she didn't think there was any need - I find this a surprise also as she was quite adamant at my last apt! Also asked about my 'risk' factor and I'm now considered low risk so I'm free to give birth where I like basically, cannot express how happy I am about that. Hopefully that means I get the water birth I want ❤️

I'm 10 weeks postpartum and had severe polyhydraminios. What is your reading if you don't mind me asking? My fluid levels were very high and I was referred to foetal medicine for them to do further checks and keep an eye on levels. I had a c section because of fluid as I had gestational diabetes too and it was thought too much risk to induce as more likely an abnormal lie during labour. When fluid levels are really high they may check baby for a condition called oesophageal atrasia after birth by inserting an nasogastric tube. My c section was hard and they had to use forceps to fish her out. She was healthy and the relief of not carrying all that fluid was amazing. It's so uncomfortable isn't it?

@rach1stbaby I'm so happy to read this must have just been LO making you worry they like to do that 😂 I'm hoping they say same thing next week with me that my fluid is back to normal and can have a natural Labour.

@thingymaboob my measurement was 27cm at 33 week scan then at repeat scan was 26cm so Im not severe polyhydramnios just a mild case. I'm hoping when I get rescanned next week that it's back to normal. I'd like my 1st baby to be a natural chilled (as much as it can be) birth. What week did you have your c section and what was your reading? I'm feeling very big today x

@Kittycaz my readings were over 30. Once it was 29. I had a section at 38 weeks. I had diabetes too so they offered induction or c-section at 38 weeks but after a discussion about risks etc I chose c-section. Previously had vaginal delivery and the recovery was long (pain, tear) so wasn't particularly keen on another vaginal delivery anyway. My c section and recovery was amazing. Much better experience than my vaginal delivery