Low Level of Amniotic Fluid Reason to worry?

[happyspider]

I have been told that I have a low level of amniotic fluid and might be induced if labour doesn't come naturally in the next couple of days.

I am at the end of my gestation period, but no sign of proper labour yet.
Is this normal practice and is there any risk for the baby if there is not enough liquid around him/her?
Pls help

PS, I mean, I am not in established labour, but only getting practice contractions

I posted but my post disappeared...I'll try again.

I don't know anything about this personally, but have heard that this can happen when a pregnancy goes past its due date, how many weeks are you.

In terms of medical info I foun the following which may put your mind at ease:

this . Hope this gives you somewhere to start!

BTW the m/w did check that you are not having some sort of slow small leak didn't she? I know you're not in established labour, but you said you are having contractions.

Ok half my message disappeared...

This was the other article.

happyspider, did they scan you to find this out? I would ask the m/w or doc about the possible reasons.

I had this at the end of my p/g and was induced after 11 days over my due date.

I am actually due tomorrow, they did scan me and everything else was perfect, apart from the level of liquid which has gone down from 5CM to 2CM in the last couple of weeks.

The midwife said it's a precaution practice, but I am not sure if this is dangerous for the baby and if I should be induced sooner rather than later.

I think that the danger to the baby is that the amniotic fluid cushions the baby's head and the cord when there are contractions.

She did explain it is normal (apparently) for the level of amniotic fluid to drop as your EDD approaches, happyspider? So that's not a cause for concern in itself.
I'd be anxious in your place too, but it does sound as though they are on the case and keeping an eye on you.
Keep us all posted and good luck!

Message withdrawn

happyspider-sorry I haven't got a clue about this subject, but I am off on holiday and wanted to send you my best wishes for the impending day! Take care.

Happyspider - please do not be too concerned about a low level of amniotic fluid. In some respects I hate scans because there is often some problem or other thrown up that causes concern to mums. I have seen low liquor one week to be normal the next. Why were you scanned? Is it routine at this stage at your hospital? Our unit does not routinely scan unless a woman is 42 weeks and wishes to avoid induction. Liquor volume does naturally reduce towards the end of pregnancy. Although you are due tomorrow, it is more likely that you will go past your date, which is something that is a guess at the end of the day. Pregnancies are often closer to 42 weeks and if dates were given reflecting that fact, women would get less anxious about overdue babies. I am sure that your consultant/midwife should be able to keep you informed if any problems are identified. Try and enjoy the last few days of peace and quiet

Happyspider
I was induced at 36 wks because the placenta was not working propely and fluid levels were low . Dd was "small for dates" . So for you if they say everything else is ok then the baby is a good size and doing well .
Good Luck and take care. If you are worried keep asking as at this stage in preg your mind can go into overdrive.

Thanks Mears (glad you are still around, got a bit worried from your posting about reducing your time on mumsnet: how would we do without you???)

I was scanned because of my dates and also for some concerns I have had during the pg when I could not feel the baby kick a lot.
The consultant was very helpful, she wanted to make sure that the baby was OK and was still growing, which he is. The doppler was fine as well.

I was hoping to have a natural labour and birth, but will go with everything they say, better be safe than sorry.

Colette, I wish I could stop worrying, but guess it's part of the package.
But it's reassuring to hear other people's stories, thanks!