Low amniotic fluid

marnief

Hi ladies, I am seeking some reassurance.  I am trying hard not to Google because I know that never ends well...

I'll be 34 weeks tomorrow.  At my appointment today, my OB first said that I really had gained more than she'd like (nearly 8 lbs in 5 weeks) and suggested that I cut milk and fruit except strawberries/blueberries and the occasional 1/2 banana, and change up my exercise routine.  Then she measured fundal height and said I'm measuring small - only 31 weeks.  So she sent me down the hall for an u/s (which I wasn't scheduled to have for another 2 weeks).  The u/s showed 3 things:

1. Munchkin is breech with feet up.

2. Munchkin is indeed small - only 4 lbs.

3. I have low amniotic fluid - the u/s tech showed me 4 "pockets," 2 with plenty of fluid and 2 with basically none.

Since my fluid is low, they can't do an inversion.  So unless Munchkin flips on her own, I will have to have a scheduled C-section at 39 weeks.  I had my first NST and doc said the heartbeat looked great.  So now I'm on modified bed rest, no exercise, lie down on my left side for 30 min twice a day, make sure I feel some movement at least every few hours.  My OB referred me to an MFM and wants me to have weekly app'ts with her and the MFM.  Of course, she wanted me to have the first app't with the MFM this Friday but they have no app'ts available, so I'm scheduled for Monday afternoon.  

I called DH on my way home from what turned into a 3-hour appointment and cried.  At least I was able to tell him that I "know" plenty of women in PAIF who are doing the twice-a-week thing, and the NSTs, etc.  He wants to come with me to the MFM app't because he knows I'm upset.

So - anybody else have experience with low amniotic fluid?  Also, how do I avoid massive weight gain if I'm not allowed to exercise?  (And how come baby girl isn't gaining weight if my weight gain is higher than my doc would like?  Everyone who sees me says I'm all belly...)

beachy6

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. First, when the doctor measures the baby, the weight can be off, so don't let that bother you too much. I'd listen to what the MFM has to say and maybe that will give you a better picture of how your LO is doing.

Also, I had low water with my DS but it wasn't found until later at 37 weeks. They think it had been low for a few weeks, but just went undetected. So, I wasn't under any restrictions and my DS turned out just fine. He was little at 6lbs 8oz, but he was otherwise healthy.

Because I only had 2 pockets of water and I was further along than you are now, I was induced the day it was found. Something I learned in the hospital is that the baby can be laying on water that they can't see in the u/s. It appeared that this was the issue for me, as when they broke my water, more came out than everyone was expecting.

I think for now, you are in great hands and will be monitored closely. I wouldn't worry about weight gain at this point, as the most important thing is taking it easy so you can have a healthy baby.

marnief

Thank you, ladies, for the reassurance and helpful comments. Unfortunately I can't get on a cancellation list for the MFM - the two docs who my OB recommends are both in vacation this week, and she really didn't want me to see the other docs in the practice. I will def. look into the GD diet.

formerwigirl

No advice here either but I hope you get good news on Monday!

Aurora1181

Good luck! I see an MFM every other week, and I feel so much more confident in their level of care compared to my OB. I feel like it's the difference between RE and OB- you just get more personalized, specialized care, and I like that. My OB deals with so many more people, and seems to be more of a generalist.. but I feel like my MFM is really on the lookout for any potential problem. All of that is to say, you're in good hands. I'm sorry that this is so stressful though! Sending you positive thoughts!!!

BabyKsMommy

I would drink water like there's no tomorrow. It can help the fluid issue somewhat.

As far as weight gain I was told by my NP that I was gaining too much with DS. I gained about 45 lbs, he was nice sized at 8lb15oz. I asked my OB about my weight gain and she said it was fine.

I also asked her about it for this pregnancy and she said she expects me to gain at least 45 lbs. Sometimes I think weight gain is more personal opinion.