Too much water

[Staceyk]

Having first thought I had transverse baby, went for scan today, only to find baby in correct position, but I have twice as much water as average person, hence why I'm so huge, in pain, and midwives were unable to tell where baby was, anyone any experiences when it comes to ridiculos amounts of water? Aparentely they will have to test baby as soon as delivered put tube down throat make sure baby can swallow, and check kidneys making sure not making too much fluid etc. I'm 36+4 yet they say so much water will bring on early labour, before 38 weeks!!!

I think you may be describing something called hydroamnios. In some cases it is caused by the baby having a congenital defect but in a lot of cases there is no reason at all for it. You may well be admitted to hospital soon because it can cause both early labour and problems for the baby so the docs will want to be on hand when you deliver.

Since you are already 36+4 though, they may well decide to induce you this weekend - rather than let things go on. Are you going to see the consultant tomorrow?

BTW, you have no cause to panic here - it's actually quite a common condition - more so with twins (it can be part of twin to twin transfusion syndrome I believe) but hundreds of babies are born every year absolutely fine - they've just had a bit more a swim than usual.

Mind you, wouldn't want to be downwind of you when your waters blow

I had this, and ended up with no complications. Only difference from first pregnancy was the comical looks on all theatre staff's faces when they popped during my c-section (at term) and hit the floor with such a resounding splat that the produced a collective gasp and choreographed step backwards. {blush] That, and the fact that my dressing on my back for epidural was utterly soaked and had to be redone before I could properly hold DS. You'll be fine I'm sure. They're on to it and will be monitoring you. Downside is just that you feel twice the size of normal pregnasaur at term.

I had this, and ended up with no complications. Only difference from first pregnancy was the comical looks on all theatre staff's faces when they popped during my c-section (at term) and hit the floor with such a resounding splat that the produced a collective gasp and choreographed step backwards. {blush] That, and the fact that my dressing on my back for epidural was utterly soaked and had to be redone before I could properly hold DS. You'll be fine I'm sure. They're on to it and will be monitoring you. Downside is just that you feel twice the size of normal pregnasaur at term.

Thanks for replies, I had scan and saw consultant today, they didn't mention anything about being induced, just said to go in straight away if waters break, or contractions start, and they will scan and see consultant again in 2 weeks time, if I make it that long.
Do you know what kind of problems it can cause for the baby? The consultant didn't seem duly concerned just said that checks would be done after birth to see if there a reason for so much water. Bit of a worry really

I don't know to be honest, as my consultant never mentioned that it was a big problem - he was quite an unfussy type and I think didn't believe in worrying me if he didn't need to. I think it's more common with gestational diabetes - do you have this? Is your babe also big? Mine was a whopper at 10 lbs 2 - they measured him at 38 weeks so we knew and this lead to elective c-section, which I was very upset about at first but in hindsight think was best option.

i had this also but had no complications whatsoever
my DD wasnt too big (8lb 12oz) and now the only after effect that i can tell (apart from my ridiculous stretch marks) is that DD is impossible to get out of the bath she loves it so much although that might just be her its called poly-hydramnios and the reason they have asked you to go in as soon as you start labour/ water breaks is to make sure you dont have a prolapsed umbilical cord which is a high risk in this kind of pregnancy. i wouldnt worry too much about it and ask your consultant when you see him next to talk you through all of the risks etc. i didnt have this myself as they only figured my condition out when i was 41+1 and measuring 45cm i had measured ahead throughout my later preg and the MW just kept saying its a BIG baby you are carrying- she didnt think to check until i told them they were to check me or i will be keeping the child in as i dont want to birth an enormous baby on my first go at childbirth as it wasnt fair good preg strop and it got me a scan and a proper diagnosis they did however book me in for an induction but i went naturally the day before
the best advice i can give you is be prepared for the huge amount of fluid as i wasnt and i had to buy a new mattress also pack extra trouser, pants and pads in your hospital bag as you will prob go through most of them before the birth if your waters go first HTH
xx ei xx

Stacey - some info here

Try not to panic. Chances are everything is absolutely fine.

Yes, me too only found out about waters when got scanned at 38 weeks cos bump was measuring big and consultant wanted to c-section me and I didn't want to. Turned out I had bloomin' big babe and copious volumes of the wet stuff, so he won his argument and DS was born by section. Didn't really mind too much in the end.