Polyhydramnios??

[dottyaboutstripes]

I am being scanned tomorrow, original reason was because of a low-lying placenta at 21 week scan but now my mw wants to have the amniotic fluid measured as she suspects polyhydramnios (think that's the spelling!)

I just wondered if anyone had any experience of this? Mw and I had a chat about it and she reckons it could mean that a consultant would want me to be induced early and to have constant monitoring during labour - honestly that's my idea of a nightmare (though of course a good outcome and happy ending for me & baby is all that really matters)

Oh btw, am 34 weeks with baby #6

How did you get on at the scan?

I had polyhydramios and was told I would be induced at 40 weeks. I went into labour naturally at 39 weeks with very intense contractions, but the baby didn't descend, because the extra fluid prevented it from engaging.

I had an epidural fairly early on (a necessity because the pain was so bad) and laboured away for a day until I had an EMCS due to failure to progress.

There was TONS AND TONS of fluid when my waters broke so be prepared for the gush! also meconium in the water due to long labour, but baby was absolutely fine.

TBH once I was in labour I didn't care particularly how the baby came out, I would really advise keeping an open mind and not being too stuck on one form or another of delivery.

In a straightforward pg/delivery you can afford to be particular over things like not wanting constant monitoring, but with a complication like polyhydramios you need to put your ideals to second place to what's best for the baby. There's such a small window of time for the baby to come out and you would want to know if your baby is in distress which you do instantly with constant monitoring, it's there for a good reason!!!!

Personally I was very reassured by constant monitoring as it showed baby was doing ok in there.

All that matters is that your baby is born safely and polyhydramious does lift you out of low risk and more into high risk territory.

I'm sure you already know but there is a risk of cord prolapse where the cord comes out before the baby due to the waters swilling around, which could affect the baby's oxygen supply adversely, this is why they like the birth to be more controlled.

If you go into labour early get on your hands and knees to prevent the cord from prolapsing and call an ambulance, don't fart around with getting bags and going in a car to hospital in your own time etc.

HTH

I had this with ds2, the only real difference was weekly scans and monitoring . They did talk of induction, but I went into labour naturally 2 days before due date and all was fine, I had a natural birth and was even able to have some time in the birthing pool - didnt actually give birth in there but that was for other reasons. As prev poster says, there was tons of water when they broke, but they didnt break till just before ds was born, so everyone got soaked! Hope your pg develops well. I also found the monitoring reassuring, and if nothing else gave me a chance to put my feet up and read a magazine!

Thanks ladies

Had my scan and I do have polyhydramnios, plus baby is bigger than average, at 34 weeks they estimate 6lbs 9oz. Typically, there was no consultant around so I'll need to go back for a chat. They said I'll have a GTT as this can be a sign of gestational diabetes, plus they will test for certain viruses??? I've been told to expect another scan, but my mw also told me that this can all even out and that there may not even be a prob by the next time I am seen. I am not so sure as I really am enormous. And as for induction - I'd rather baby came that bit earlier (4 of my 5 came at 42+ weeks) so he or she is not TOO enormous LOL!