trying to research low amniotic fluid past 40 wks

[svmaine]

For preg #2 I went in for an u/s and was diagnosed with low amniotic fluid and sent straight to the hospital. There were no signs of stress from me or the baby. I did let them give me the progesterone supp., Cervidil I think, and they let me spend the night getting things going on my own, nipple stimulation works for me! Ended up having a nice birth experience spent mostly in a jacuzzi and then birthing tub but I'm trying to find out how worried I should be if this happens again. My kids so far have been just over 9 lbs but if the kid is showing no signs of stress is it really a reason to jumpstart labor?

Anyone had similar experiences?

[SublimeBirthGirl]

It's a very common diagnosis around here. Best way to avoid it is to not get an ultrasound. I think it's usually b.s. If you know you are going to have an u/s, drink a bunch of water before you go.

[Kappa]

I don't know how exactly they can measure amniotic fluid levels, but it seems like to me that if they can be off by 2lbs or more in the baby's weight estimate by ultrasound, the same would go for amniotic fluid levels. I'm not sure how serious it is, but in all my reading I've never read about a case of a baby drying out. If the baby is not in distress, then it seems like it could be that the ultrasound was just wrong at estimating the levels.

[JanetF]

Try this: http://midwiferytoday.com/articles/biophysical.asp

[Eliseatthebeach]

Originally Posted by svmaine

For preg #2 I went in for an u/s and was diagnosed with low amniotic fluid and sent straight to the hospital. There were no signs of stress from me or the baby.

The same thing happened to me. I was able to have an unassisted birth with the midwife, just in the hospital instead of the birth center. We never really found out why the fluid was low though.

[svmaine]

Thanks for the opinions and that midwifery today article is exactly what I've been looking for!! I spent too much time googling the other day in search of some explicit validation for how bogus the test is and that article explains it perfectly, , thanks again! I'm printing a copy and will be carrying it with me.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

Good luck getting them to care what you think! Keep in mind you don't have to do something just because they recommend it.