fluid and placenta questions

[Runningmommy]

Okay, quick trip to the L&D for some contraction pick up. THe baby's heartbeat dipped a few times so they wondered about amniotic fluid. The doctor tried to check it with an ultrasound machine that he had never used before. After 15 minutes of tryign to figure it out he said that they want over 100 and worry if it's under 50 and mine was 74. He told me to drink more water and come in on MOnday or Tuesday for a complete ultrasound to check that. He mentioned the possibility of a deteriorating placenta. I can't find information on the placenta online anywhere so if anyone has any info on these things please let me know. I drink more fluid, mostly water, than I thought was possible. I pee multiple times an hour and it's clear. I am not having any discharge. I jsut don't know what's right to do here. The doctor mentioned that he thinks my body might just be at the end of it's gestation with the way my body works. Part of me thinks that if something starts up again to let it go. Maybe my body and the baby are ready and my body is telling us it's time. I am just really worried about these new things now. *Sigh*

[annakiss]

You know, you can check amniotic fluid levels with your hands. hold your palm flat on one side of your belly. With the other hand, jiggle the other side of your belly with your finger in a pokey way. If you feel it with your flat hand, you've got plenty of fluid. It's like a water balloon, yk? Your doctor was probably just overreacting. They tend to do that. Especially when their toys don't work right (or they don't know how to work them). I'd be skeptical if I were you.