WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Increased Amniotic Fluid Monitoring

Increased Amniotic Fluid Monitoring
As a pregnancy progresses into the 41st week, it becomes increasingly important to monitor amniotic fluid levels and the health of the placenta.
These factors are crucial indicators of the well-being of both the mother and the baby, especially when the pregnancy extends beyond the expected due date.
Monitoring Amniotic Fluid Levels
  • Role of Amniotic Fluid: Amniotic fluid plays a critical role in protecting and supporting the baby in the womb. It facilitates fetal movement, aids in lung development, and acts as a cushion against external pressure.
  • Assessment of Fluid Levels: The levels of amniotic fluid are closely monitored in post-term pregnancies. Low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios) can indicate a decrease in placental function and may pose risks to the baby, such as compression of the umbilical cord.
  • Methods of Monitoring: Amniotic fluid levels are typically assessed through ultrasound examinations. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) or the single deepest pocket (SDP) method may be used to measure the quantity of fluid.
Placental Health Considerations
  • Placental Function: The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products. As pregnancy progresses beyond the due date, there is a concern that placental efficiency may decrease.
  • Monitoring Placental Function: Healthcare providers may recommend additional tests to ensure the placenta is functioning properly. This can include Doppler flow studies to check blood flow in the umbilical cord and placenta.
Risks Associated with Post-Term Pregnancy
  • Potential Complications: Extended pregnancies can increase the risk of complications such as fetal distress, reduced nutrient and oxygen supply, and labor difficulties due to the larger size of the baby.
  • Decision-Making on Induction of Labor: Depending on the assessment of amniotic fluid levels and placental health, a decision may be made to induce labor. Induction is often considered if there are signs of potential risks to the baby or mother.
Importance of Regular Check-Ups
  • Frequent Prenatal Visits: In post-term pregnancies, regular prenatal check-ups become even more important. These visits allow for the ongoing evaluation of amniotic fluid levels, placental health, and the baby's condition.
  • Communication with Healthcare Provider: Keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for making timely and informed decisions regarding the management of a post-term pregnancy.
In week 41 of pregnancy, the increased monitoring of amniotic fluid levels and placental health is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Understanding the importance of these factors and maintaining regular prenatal check-ups can help manage the additional challenges posed by post-term pregnancy.
All I Need To Know
E
Erin
25 Jan 2024

Does anyone know what low amniotic fluid means? I have to see a specialist in a few weeks for a second opinion 😭😟

4 comments
C
Carol
Yea its means ur amniotic fluid is measuring lower then it should, meaning u don't have the amount u should witch van mean u have a small leak.... Did ur doc not explain anything to u? I know the specialist will for sure.. Amd it could be that ur doc was wrong n thats why he sending u there... Whatever the issues is there's ways to fix it, so don't stress to much. Hope for the best...
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erin
no I didn't even know she put in an order for the specialist until the high risk center called to make an appointment earlier today... okay thank you for explaining it to me
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shakeha
16 Nov 2023

Admitted. Being induced due to low amniotic fluid. Prayers for a safe delivery. #NoFluid #Boymom #37weeks6days.

4 comments
N
Nari Nicole
I pray for a easy and speedy as well as safe delivery for you
27 Mar 2024

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Rachel🩵
I get induced next friday literally freaking out I’m so scared!! Goodluck love!!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
1 Aug 2023

Hello everyone I am currently 23 weeks pregnant with twins and at my 22 week ultrasound the doctor told me I have increased Amniotic fluid fast forward to yesterday at my ultrasound visit it has increased more so now I’m diagnosed with severe Polyhydramnios any other moms have this happen to them thanks in advance…

5 comments
S
Samantha
I was diagnosed with this last week! I’m only carrying one babe, but I heard it is more common in twin pregnancies. They have me going to see a specialist this Friday to check why it’s happening.
27 Mar 2024

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Catherine
Ugh I just got diagnosed with this today 😭😭
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angel
29 Jul 2023

I forgot to update yesterday but our L&D said I wasn't leaking amniotic fluid, thankfully. They still didn't tell me what it was or check on the baby's fluid levels. They did the heart monitor and a swab test to check to see if I was leaking amniotic fluid. That swab test hurt for some reason.

1 comments
A
Akilah
It's going to be okay.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Masie
25 Apr 2023

Last week the amniotic fluid was at a 9 and today its at a 7.1 and I'm a little worried about it

4 comments
M
Monica
If I'm not mistaken the closer we are to delivery date the less fluid we have. I wouldn't worry unless your doctor is ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Masie
they want me to try to up my fluid a little but idk by how much exactly because they said not to drink to much because then I will swell 🙃🙃
27 Mar 2024

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E
Erin
15 Apr 2023

are their any diabetics? if so has your amniotic fluid been too high? mine is 30% which isn’t good 😪

3 comments
A
Amber
Sending prayers an hugs boo 🧸❤️‍🩹
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
I’m type one and my fluid is great. But prayers and you got this momma!
27 Mar 2024

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Lauren
1 Feb 2023

Anyone else experience low amniotic fluid? I had another echo and growth scan today and it turned into 3 hrs of monitoring because i was having contractions and dips in babys heart rate. Doctor said that my amniotic fluid was also low, so they tested to see if i was leasking fluid (im not so thats good) checked my cervix, thin but not dilated. Have to go in on Monday for another ultrasound. They told me to drink more fluid but i drink so much water already i have 0 color in my pee. He said that if there's no change by monday i will probably have to get an iv and or be induced early because my placenta my not be functioning properly. This is my 3rd baby and i have never had anything like this happen before.

6 comments
A
Alissa
I hope all is well momma 😥 I've always had extra amniotic fluid with all my pregnancies.
27 Mar 2024

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Lauren
that's what I'm used to, at least that was how my last 2 were. Today was kind of a scare. Wasn't really sure what was going on, but i was happy to hear at the end of it all that it wasn't preterm labor.
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tatiana
19 Nov 2022

I just had my 2nd trimester anatomy scan I was told that the amniotic fluid was 9 cm (too much) I've read up on what is the normal amount said 5 to 25 cm Im a little confused on this has anyone had an experience where they were told you had a bit too much amniotic fluid?

3 comments
D
Dshayla
Yes, I had too much at one point but by the time I had my baby it was normal
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
They were probably referring to the pockets they measure. If I remember correctly there’s four pockets and they shouldn’t be more than an 8 cm in each one…so maybe they were referring to a pocket measurement. It’s only 1 number higher it can even out as you get further along
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angie
23 Sep 2022

32 wks yesterday was in hospital for leaking but not amniotic fluid but was told I have low amniotic fluid plus my contractions were 4 mins apart but cervix was closed im just confused

6 comments
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Melissa
Yes that is very confusing
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angie
I got discharged and everything but I thought if Yu had contractions 5 mins apart or less it was active labor ?
27 Mar 2024

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Vanessa
10 Jun 2022

I was told by my ob that I had slightly extra amniotic fluid . Should I worry ? Anyone experienced this before ? I’m worried

6 comments
T
Tiffaney
I don’t think that a bad thing , did you research?
27 Mar 2024

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V
Vanessa
I did some research and of course google just makes matters worse
27 Mar 2024

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