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Oligohydramnios
When Amniotic Fluid Is Too Low
By Laurie Dove
Either way, it is a condition that can be lethal, because Baby needs adequate fluid to develop lungs.
"Without enough amniotic fluid, Baby can't make the transfer from umbilical cord to breathing air," Roberts says. The lungs are in their greatest stage of development between 16 and 25 weeks, but each day they have to mature in adequate amniotic fluid means greater function.
For Howard, delivering her baby at 36 weeks didn't pose a significant risk because of Baby's lung development, she says. "The doctor told me [the baby's] lungs should be fully developed and that she didn't foresee any problems from delivering early," Howard says.
Once oligohydramnios is diagnosed, decisions about the baby's delivery need to be made. Often, this means weighing the risks of inducing labor versus leaving the baby in-utero until it reaches greater maturity. There is some variance in the medical community about when is "long enough," Roberts says, but typically, if a baby has too little fluid near term, "it is reasonable to consider that baby will do okay if born." For Roberts, that means waiting until 37 weeks. For others, it can mean delivering as early as 34 weeks, he says.
Howard gave birth to a healthy baby, Jessica, weighing little more than 5 pounds. Now at 3 years old, Jessica's development is "right on track," says Howard. "She is sharp as a tack."
Like many others who experience oligohydramnios, Howard didn't have the complication when she became pregnant two years later with her third child.
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics, pregnant women who find themselves diagnosed with oligohydramnios should pay particular attention to eating a balanced diet and receiving regular prenatal care.
"The best treatment is good care," Roberts says.
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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.