Low fluid-- how do docs know?

OnWayto3 · April 2015

I've been noticing a lot of posts about people having low amniotic fluid; obviously this is a huge concern. My question is how you came to the point that you found out? I understand an u/s is how you diagnose this, but what brought about the u/s or concern in the first place?

knwilliams01 · April 2015

I had my ultrasound after going to L&D triage the night before bc I had bled about a tablespoon of bright red blood. My doctor was concerned about a small placental abruption and had me come in the next day for an ultrasound. The ultrasound just happened to find low fluid - had I not been scanned we would have had no idea.

taboullio84 · April 2015

You usually measure small.. Then the test you with the ultrasound. " usually "

teransands14 · April 2015

When my baby was measuring small I was sent for a better ultrasound at a high risk dr. The first thing he noticed was the low fluid level and my regular OB had never mentioned it.

Nikelizabeth · April 2015

With baby #1 I was measuring small at my dr appt, so she sent me the hospital for an ultrasound and that's when they noticed the low fluid.

caitlincunn · April 2015

I was induced 3 days after my due date with my first daughter because of low fluid, from a sonogram which I think they did because I was "late"

OnWayto3 · April 2015

Thanks for answering... just wondering since it seems fairly common and yet so serious.

TheNewMrsY · April 2015

I had an u/s when DD was 9 days late and had "abnormally low" fluid which prompted an induction.

casey06022015 · April 2015

Thank you OP for posting ! I had been wondering the same thing.

toodaloo · April 2015

Well, I worked in OB/GYN and labor and delivery for a total of 5 years in the Air Force. From what I recall, the doctor would check your fundal height from the public bone to the top of your uterus. If you measure behind or too large (30 weeks should = 30 cm), then they would order an ultrasound and go from there. Hope this helps...

JessBee410 · April 2015

My regular OBGYN didn't notice, but the specialist I went to for my Anatomy Scan noticed that the area surrounding the baby looked "subjectively" small. She gets normal readings every week, but to her eye, it looks like at my baby's gestational age, there should be more fluid around the baby then there is. They monitor me basically every week and take my measurements and to make sure the baby's kidneys and lungs are functioning. If the fluid drops to a 2.5, then we'll be in a critical condition, then there may not be enough fluid for the organs to properly form and work. But for now, I've been maintaining low/normal levels. I was sent to the ER to make sure my water didn't break prematurely and thankfully it didn't, nor have I been leaking any fluids.

I was concerned about needing a C-Section because of my low fluid, but my doctor remains positive that so long as both me and the baby aren't in distress, there would be no need for it. There's really nothing you can do to up your levels either. I've read some at-home methods online, and whether or not they work, I'm not sure, but I've tried a few and have been maintaining. I am also seeing an herbalist who gave me some funky tea to drink. I've been using it for about three weeks now and have an appointment next Wed to get my fluid measured. I'm curious to see if it's had any effect.

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