3 little Miracles

3 little Miracles

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

What does low Amniotic Fluid mean??

As you can imagine my brain won't stop working and I am up in the middle of the night.  I can't keep my brain from going places I wish it wouldn't.  I would much rather fully lean on God for our current situation with Rachel and trust fully that He will heal what is wrong, but my human nature is thinking of the "what if's" and the "could this have".  I would much rather turn off my brain from thinking about all the beautiful clothes and preparations we have made for Rachel in her room, clothes and preparations that our little girl may not see.  I don't want to think of that, even at this moment it's as if she is saying "stop thinking that way mom" because she is kicking inside of me and proving that she is still here, still vital, and not planning on leaving me any time soon.

When I had bleeding earlier in my pregnancy I started to do research online for what it meant, what was the treatment, what could happen, etc.  But the more I read, the more I decided I needed to stop looking for answers because it was drawing me away from fully trusting in God to get us through.  This time I feel like I need to educate myself a little more so that I can ask questions next Wednesday and be more of a participant in planning the "game plan" for the rest of this pregnancy.  TOP on my list is drinking the water that I hate.  My husband actually started laughing last night when we were talking all this over after the boys were tucked in, he said, "God sure does have a sense of humor."  You see, I had bragged all morning about how after the 3D/4D ultrasound I could stop trying to tank up so much on water and go back to drinking my decaf tea sweetened with splenda.  BUT NOW, I have to keep drinking the STUPID water that I hate.

I am not really sure how to carry out the other part of the doctors order, which was to get as much rest as possible.  My dear MoG is working pre-shift right now, which means he leaves at 4:30AM and doesn't get home until around 4:30 in the afternoon.  On top of that he is trying his best to work on our project list to get ready for Rachel, so he is spending all evening in the garage working on furniture or at his co-workers wood shop working on the bookshelves that go in our room (a result of giving our office up for a nursery).  So this means the full care of the house and boys is on me and right now we are in high gear because D starts kindergarten tomorrow, J starts preschool September 2nd, and in between is me running the roads for doctors appointments, errands, etc.  So where does REST fall into all of that.

You see what I mean. my brain won't turn off!!!  Here is what I have learned so far about what is or could be happening in Rachel's little world.

What is low amniotic fluid?  What could have caused it?  What does it mean to the baby and mom?

Leaking or ruptured membranes
A small tear in your amniotic sac can allow some fluid to leak out. This can happen at any point in your pregnancy but it is more common as you approach delivery. You may notice you are leaking fluid, or your practitioner may discover it during an exam. Occasionally, a tear will heal on its own, the leaking will stop, and your fluid will return to normal levels.

Placenta problems
A problem with your placenta, such as a partial abruption, may prevent it from supplying enough blood and nutrients to your baby, which can cause him or her to stop recycling the fluid, and levels to drop. This is a good possibility considering my early pregnancy issues with bleeding and the causes of IT.

Fetal abnormalities
Low amniotic fluid levels in your first or second trimester may be caused by a fetal abnormality. For instance, if your baby's kidneys aren't developing properly or did not develop at all, or his urinary tract is blocked, your baby won't produce enough urine to maintain a healthy level of amniotic fluid.

Maternal Complications- Factors such as maternal dehydration,hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels

If oligohydramnios is detected in the second half of pregnancy, complications can include:
  • Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
  • Preterm birth
  • Labor complications such as cord compression, meconium stained fluid and cesarean delivery

What treatments are available if I am experiencing low amniotic fluid?

The treatment for low levels of amniotic fluid is based on gestational age. If you are not full tem yet, your doctor will monitor you and your levels very closely. Tests such as non-stress and contraction stress test may be done to monitor your baby’s activity. If you are close to full term, then delivery is usually what most doctors recommend in situations of low amniotic fluid levels. Other treatments that may be used include:
  • Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This added fluid helps with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery and is reported to help lower the chances of a cesarean delivery.
  • Injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis. The condition of oligohydramnios is reported to often return within one week of this procedure, but it can aid in helping doctors visualize fetal anatomy and make a diagnosis.
  • Maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids has shown to help increase amniotic fluid levels.
Psalm 9:9 
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.


Psalm 18:2 
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the hornof my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 comments:

  1. I'll be praying for you and Rachel.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My heart and prayers are with you and all of your family. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  3. I will keep you and your little family in my prayers - just think of your little one each time you have to gulp the water. I don't like it either.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I will be praying for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am also pregnant and have about the same diagnosis. I was wondering how everything turned out for you as long as you don't mind talking about it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Anonymous,

    I don't mind sharing with you, that the low amniotic fluid was cause for Rachel arriving in our lives 2 weeks early, but had no effect on her health as far as I know. Rachel was born with breathing issues, an enlarged heart, blood issues, and to our surprise Down Syndrome. I am not sure that the amniotic fluid had anything to do with any of these medical conditions, I think they were all related to her DS. I pray that things go well for the rest of your pregnancy, please get as much rest as you can and drink plenty of fluid. Although I don't know who you are, God does, and I will pray that you have a health delivery.

    God Bless!

    ReplyDelete