Low Amniotic Fluid?

[mrsbunny]

I had my 38 week appointment and they checked my amniotic fluid via ultrasound. The OB said it was a bit low (it’s been decreasing with each ultrasound), but not low enough to induce. They want to monitor it and I have another fluid check and nonstress test scheduled for next week. My fluid is around 8 and they said they typically don’t induce until 5 or lower?

Anyone have any experience with this? I’m confused why this is happening. I went five days over with my son and never had any issue with my fluids...

[icedcoffee]

I had this happen with DS1. I went to my regular appointment at 38+6 and my fluid was low. I think below 5. They sent me directly to the hospital for a c/s (he was breech).

It can happen for a lot of reasons...small break of your water, the placenta is just done and baby is no longer getting proper nutrients (fluid is created by baby peeing it out I think), dehydration. Sometimes it just means it's time for baby to come out.

Drink a lot of water this week, but otherwise don't worry about it.

[shoeless]

I just went through this, apparently its really common in summer months for amniotic fluid levels to be lower. I spent a week between appointments focusing on drinking lots of water (about 90 oz a day). By the next appointment my numbers were back up.

[humpforfree]

Both of mine had to be delivered early due to low fluid. 37 & 38 weeks. I went back for US weekly after my 35(?) week scan when they saw lower fluid. Then just kept going until it was low enough that I had to deliver. I think with the second I actually went twice that week- it had started dropping more and so I went back a couple of days later and it was under the 5 threshold.

I never really felt *leaking* or anything like that, but with the second I actually thought the night before that it was probably going to be time... things just felt more.. moist? Lol

ETA- I think my body I just.. done by then and my babies don’t need a full 40 weeks? At 37 & 38 weeks they weighed 7lbs5oz and 9lvs3oz, so definitely full size babies and they were both healthy and came home from the hospital with me. If this one is somehow still in at 39 weeks, I’ll either schedule a repeat VBAC or CS depending on status.