How do they know?

[wendymin72]

Hi all.

I have heard of instances where labor is induced due to low amniotic fluid. My question is...how do they know the fluid is low? Is this checked via internal exam towards the end of a pregnancy?? I ask because I recently read about how amniotic fluid creates a cushion so that the fetus doesn't essentially kink or crush his own life line and that freaked me out! Is this a danger that could really have bad consequences or did they make it sound worse than it really is??

I know that when your water breaks that is your amniotic fluid but that is during a natural progression of labor. I am talking about when you are not ready to go into labor yet but your fluid is too low...


Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

 

[FiddleFit]

Hi Wendy,

To the best of my knowledge, this is measured during the ultrasounds. With my first daughter, when the doctor checked the size of my uterus during my monthly exams, my belly consistently measured at least 1-2 months ahead of schedule. My doctor was concerned that I had *too much* amniotic fluid, which is also a health hazard for the baby, so she kept sending me for ultrasounds to check that everything was okay in there. I presume that the same would apply in reverse for a woman with too little amniotic fluid: she would have a uterus measuring smaller than average, and ultrasounds would be done to check the situation out.

In my case, my big belly was due to my baby being very big. I delivered her 2 weeks early, and she was 9lbs 9oz.

Cheers,
Sandra

 

[wendymin72]

WHOA! BIG baby! :7

I'm prayin' for a nice 7 pounder myself!!! LOL

Thanks for the info! I understand now...makes me feel better coz he has been measuring me every time I go there and has never voiced any concern...I can relax now.

Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

 

[dcat]

Hi Wendy -
In my case, I was overdue and they were concerned about low amniotic fluid. It was still in the safe range but on the low end of the safe range so I was instructed to drink a lot more water (even though I already felt like a water balloon!). They do ultrasounds every couple of days if you go past your due date to make sure the baby is ok. Those days really eased my mind as I was starting to get worried every day I was past due.
Diana

 

[wendymin72]

Hi Diane.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

This is my first so I could very well go past due also. I don't want to though...I'd rather actually go a tad early if I had my druthers...not up to me though, is it? lol


Have a great work out!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]