I have polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) and also tested positive for Anti Big E early in my pregnancy and have been getting the baby monitored twice weekly through non-stress tests and ultrasound/fluid checks since 33 weeks. Everything was going fine until today (baby was passing all his tests and my antibody level has stayed low). When they hooked me up to the monitor this morning, baby boy was moving frantically but his heart rate was much lower than normal. He eventually stabilized and went on to pass his biophysical during the ultrasound. They did monitor me slightly longer than normal, but basically said that he probably just leaned on his cord causing his heart rate to drop (although initially with the way he was moving so much, the nurse said that he could be caught up in it). Cord complications are one of the risks of polyhydramnios, along with still birth, and also pre-term labor (at least this one I don't need to worry about now that I've hit 37 weeks). The doctor told me that I shouldn't worry, that if the baby was truly compromised he would not have recovered as quickly and would have shown signs of distress during the biophysical. She said to just monitor his movements and to call if I feel like his movement has decreased (which have basically been my instructions all along).
But of course now I am paranoid that he's going to get caught up on the cord again. Earlier in the week, my OB told me that I could be induced at 39 weeks, given the complications I've had and the fact the baby was already over 6 lbs at my 36 week growth ultrasound. The MFM specialists haven't recommended induction but I don't think they would be against it once I get to 39 weeks. I really feel like it's not my place to choose our baby's birthday without a good reason. But now I'm so worried I wonder if it's just better to schedule it and get him out of there. I guess I'll talk to DH about it tonight.
I just needed to get those thoughts out. Thanks, ladies.
Re: Paranoid and not sure what to do (kind of long)
Me personally, I would opt for the induction. I really don't think the whole "choosing the birthday" concept applies to your situation. It really is a matter of the safety of your baby at this point.
The reason I would go for the induction is really just to have a piece of mind, and knowing there is more at this point they can do with the baby outside than in.
Good luck! But if you do choose to induce, I don't think you should feel bad about that choice. Sorry you have to go through this, that has to be really difficult and scary.
BFP#1 "Watermelon" born 3/2011
BFP#2 "Pumpkin" 7/14/12 ~ EDD 3/23/13 ~ Natural M/C 8/3/12 @ 7 weeks
BFP#3 "Pineapple" born 4/2013
BFP#4 "Grapefruit" EDD 3/29/16