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Oligohydramnios
When Amniotic Fluid Is Too Low
By Laurie Dove
Oligohydramnios is often the result of a tear or rupture in the amniotic membrane, causing it to leak amniotic fluid and thus lower the level of fluid still surrounding the baby. If the low fluid levels are caused by a membrane leak, there is an increased risk of infection to both mother and baby, Roberts says. For Baby, too little fluid can mean a tangle with an umbilical cord; without fluid to float in, a baby may sit on the cord and cut off its own blood supply. The mother also is vulnerable to bacteria that enter the uterus through the tear causing the fluid leak.
Low fluid levels can also complicate Baby's delivery. With low levels, there is an increased risk of fetal heart decelerations in labor, Roberts says. Often, if Baby is nearing full term, obstetricians will induce labor, as in Howard's case. If the baby is allowed to remain in the uterus, especially past term, the risks are even greater.
While in labor, a doctor may replace the lost fluid by infusing warm saline into the uterus. This decreases the risk of fetal distress. However, cautions Roberts, oligohydramnios can be the sign of more serious problems, such as a baby with kidney disease. A large part of the amniotic fluid is comprised of baby's urine and if low levels are not caused by a membrane leak, it means not enough amniotic fluid is being manufactured by the baby's kidneys or that it is not being released by the bladder and urethra.
"It could be that baby is not making much fluid or there is an obstruction in the urinary tract," Roberts says.
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, other more serious causes can include a congenital heart defect, or uterine plaenta that is not supplying enough blood to baby.
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Oligohydramnios: Low Amniotic Fluid by Jamie Strong says on 02/22/2010 03:06PM
I am 19 weeks and diagnosed with Ammiotic fluid being low. My baby's heart beat is normal and I've not felt baby move yet. I am just praying to God that he or she is normal. So, all I'm doing is drinking lots of fluid and staying positive. Waiting for a miracle.
Oligohydramnios: Low Amniotic Fluid by Anonymous on 02/21/2010 09:59AM
Thank you all that have posted your stories. My daughter is 24 weeks along and the baby weighs 1.4 pounds and has been diagnosed with low amniotic fluid. She is dropping lower every day. The Dr says if she can reach 32 weeks they will then take the baby. She is confined to bed and must stay in the hospital, so far the baby's heart beat is fine and moving (thank god ) I am in PA and she is in FLA, so I only get second hand info. Afterhaving 2 children of my own, I had never heard of this condiion and obviously never investigated. I am learnig very quickly and I thank all of you - you have made this a litle easier. martha lieberman
Oligohydramnios: Low Amniotic Fluid by Rob Volmer on 01/13/2010 08:03PM
My wife was diagnosed with Anhydramnios or no Amniotic fluid when she was 13 weeks pregnant. Despite undergoing numerous experimental procedures including trying to afix an amniopatch, there was never a significant reaccumulation of fluid. Today we was a beautiful and healthy 3 year old boy despite what the doctors said! There is hope, I am happy to walk you through the different options that are out there and share best practices with you. Feel free to email me at rvolmer@crosbyvolmer.com and take a look at our web site that shares Sebastian's story www.godsmiracleofsebastian.com
Oligohydramnios: Low Amniotic Fluid by Anonymous on 12/27/2009 03:40AM
I am really sorry to hear about your baby's condition. Though I thank you for sharing your story. I am also a mother who is currently pregnant at 26 weeks. I was diagnosed with very low amniotic fluid (3-4CM) at 23 weeks. Despited 7-8 liters of fluid I drank and the IV's I have received daily for the last two weeks, none of them had helped. I am being torn apart as I am writing this comment. I am facing a dilemma of what I am to do and what would be the right thing. Amazingly, during all this time, the baby heart rate has been normal and she is moving as expected during this stage of pregnancy. I wish there is a way to know what is the right thing to do....for the baby's best interest. God bless your family.
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Oligohydramnios: Low Amniotic Fluid by Anonymous on 03/17/2010 04:24PM
My sister is 25 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with low fluid and the levels keep dropping we have never had experience with this. Not sure what to do any advice would be most appreciated. She isn't sure where this will lead and is very scared for my niece.