Fluid Levels

CRY1521

Hi ladies.  I'm typically just an evening lurker but wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself and ask a quick question.  After TTC for 2 years with fertility measures, DH & I were on a break when we found out we were expecting.  I have a t-shaped uterus and had been told that I may never conceive but if I did would most likely result in miscarriage or early pre-term labor.  We have been very fortunate and blessed to have a complication free pregnancy.  We are 34wks, 2 days along, expecting a little girl named Chloe Grace due 11/30/08.

 Two weeks ago, at my last checkup, my fundal height was measuring about 1.5 wks ahead so they scheduled an ultrasound for today.  At the ultrasound, the baby is measuring about 1.5 wks ahead (35 wk, 5 days) and weighs ~6 lbs.  However, my amniotic fluid levels were found to be high.  When I saw the DR, he measured my fundal height and it was measuring at 37 wks.  I have to go back again in 2 wks for another ultrasound and to begin my wkly ob visits.  Dr told me that there wasn't much to be alarmed about the excess fluid as the baby's stomach and kidneys are functioning well.  We also were able to get an excellent picture of her lips showing that she does not have cleft lip, which can sometimes be a reason for the excess fluid.  However, the internet has become my enemy as I have googled the excess fluid and see that it can result in placenta abruption, cord prolapse, and uncontrollable hemmorage after birth.  Needless to say, I've gotten a little concerned. 

Has anyone else been told that they have excess fluid?  If so, what did you doctors tell you?  Thanks so much!!!

CaitlinJ22

im not in the same boat, but I will say that the internet is the enemy in situations like this. try to stay away from googling, and listen to your doctor. Stress cant be good for you right now. Im sure all will be fine. If you have any more concerns thought call just to be safe. GL

CTJune06

I can totally relate. I was told that I was measuring big and the dr. assumed the baby was just big or my dates were off. I had an ultrasound the following week and was told my fluid levels were high (97th percentile) and they scheduled me for a level II ultrasound. And subsequent weekly ultrasounds and non stress tests. I did exactly what you did- and googled and read any and everything I could find about high fluid levels. I lost a lot of sleep and stressed for 4 days- until my level II ultrasound, which was today.

Needless to say, the baby is totally normal and healthy...and measuring to be in the 80th percentile. The dr's I met with today told me the reasons for high fluid would be a birth defect, GD in the mother, or in my case, a large baby. 

I know it's not easy- but try not too worry. If everything has gone well in your pregnancy and the anatomy of the baby was looking so great- my guess is that you and your baby are fine!!

Good luck!

CTJune06

Also, I was told that they will monitor the baby closely due to her size. I did read that c-sections were common when there are higher fluid levels, but that did not come up at my appt today.

CRY1521

Thanks guys for words of advice.  I know the internet is my worst enemy but sometimes you have to succumb.  haha

Glad to hear that your Level II scan went well.  Chloe was measuring in the 67% but we'll see if that changes on 11/3 when we got back.  They have not mentioned a NST yet though, so that makes me curious.