im leaking fluid and there are "notches" on blood flow to baby from placenta

[ConfusedAndLonely]

i had what was meant to be a routine antenatal appt yesterday (at 22weeks). While i was there i mentioned that i felt like i was leaking. i then had an internal exam and she confirmed that i was. then had a scan, they said fluid levels were low but that they were ok at the moment. during the scan she also checked the blood flow. from me to placenta its fine, from placenta to baby there are "notches". apparently this means that its not flowing as smooth as it should be
i'm trying not to worry, baby's kicking and seems active so thats comforting but apart from being given antibiotics i havent been given any advice about what i should be doing. i've done some reading tonight and apparently drinking lots of water will help replenish fluids. sonographer said that taking asprin would help with the blood flow but the registrar said it wasn't necessary

i've tried all day to speak to my midwife but all i've managed to do is leave lots of messages on an answer phone.

has anyone been in a similar situation? the leaking seems to have slowed down a bit but i still haven't been able to find out anymore about the notches other than its a reduced blood flow to baby.

thanks in advance for any advice/info

that is exactly how i took it, flight !
confused..hope things have settled down and you got a good sleep.

I had a hindwaters leak from 30 wks to 38 weeks. DS born at normal weight! I was prescribed bed rest though and antibiotics - not just left to it. on your behalf

Confused&lonely we're all thinking about you here and on the antenatal thread

hope you're doing ok

Hi

I had a similar thing with notches on blood vessels to placenta discovered at 20 weeks and I have been perscribed asprin to take until I am 34 weeks. I have also been scanned at 24 weeks and had my last scan this week was at 28 weeks. For me the notches had now gone but the consultant said it would do no harm to continue with the asprin until 34 weeks but not to take after then as if I wanted an epidural they may not allow it due to blood clotting issues.

good luck and hope it sorts itself out in time. I would make sure you get rescanned to check on growth etc

hi guys, posting under my real MN name because DP is back (he was away but knows my nickname on here and i didn't want him finding out from the forum). Its a good job he is because i had a bad allergic reaction to the antibiotics, thought i'd end up in hospital last night but that side of it at least seems to have calmed down
I had absolutly no luck with talking to a midwife so because i obviously couldn't keep taking the antibio they'd prescribed i went to see my GP today. he was wonderful. phoned the hospital on my behalf, found out exactly what's happening with the blood flow for baby and spoke to two specialist in fetal medicine. the outcome is that i'm to monitor my temperature regularly and go straight to a and e if anything changes over the weekend. And as for the aspirin...it would seem the registrar was talking out of her bottom and it is definitely something i should be taking

thank you all again for your help, support and ears to listen. you all really helped me through a really hard time. its not over yet, we've still got weeks and weeks to go so i'm sure i'll be back with more problems but in the meantime, DP and I are feeling alot happier about things. knowledge is power and all that!

glitterbird, thanks for sharing your story. its interesting to know that the notches can sort themselves out

Miamla Glad your dp is back, although sorry to hear about the allergic reaction. Sounds like you have a decent GP and got some support at last. Everyone has been asking after you on the antenatal thread. Come over and see us when you're up to it (there is a new thread btw)

miamla - thank goodness for your GP, am glad he's had the good sense to take some advice on this and sort out what should be happening

just do as I do/did - one week at a time and once we hit 24wks thats another small milestone

am very re stupid registrar and midwife for you though, what a worry they've put you through.

thermometer at the ready and feet up lady

{{hugs}}

Miamla what a week you've had. I do believe you've got a strong little one so I'm sure all will be fine. My thoughts are with you.

Miamla you poor thing, glad you are being cared for by your GP and that your DP is back with you.

I am not going to offer any advice because I really do not know anything about it and don't want to say the wrong thing, but just sending hugs to you and positive thoughts.

hope things are well.

(lulu is fab!)

just wanted to put a little update on here in case someone else in the same situation does a search and finds half a story (I'm 26+3 today)

what i have learnt....

• my fluid levels are absolutely fine. it seems the leak i had has either healed or i am replenishing quicker than i'm losing (still a v small leak but obviously not enough to worry about)

• bilateral notches are reasonably common in early pregnancy but they can sort themselves out. the way they monitor it, is by checking the baby's growth at regular intervals (my scans were 2 weeks apart). they can also monitor the blood flow in an artery in baby's brain (technology is amazing nowadays!) and apparently this is the most accurate way of measuring the blood flow. if it does happen to you, have a chat with your consultant about taking aspirin. this may well be one of the reasons why all is ok with me now.

so yes, after a fair few weeks of worrying, we've been told today that everything is absolutely normal with both the fluid levels and baby's blood flow

and if any of the lovely ladies who helped me at my time of need are reading this.... I can't thank you enough for your support. You all helped in your individual ways

How nice of you to update - so glad you've got good news