Published 07/26/2024

Updated 10/29/2024

5-minutes read!

Low amniotic fluid is a rare but serious condition that expecting mothers sometimes encounter. Medically known as oligohydramnios, it occurs when insufficient amniotic fluid surrounds the baby in the womb. While it can happen at any stage of pregnancy, it is most commonly observed during the last trimester and affects approximately 4% of pregnancies. The condition becomes more common if your pregnancy is two weeks overdue, increasing to around 12%.


Meet Emma


Emma is a 32-year-old mother-to-be, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first baby. It's a boy, and she and her husband, James, planned to name him Dillon. Everything went smoothly until her 30-week checkup when her doctor noticed her uterus wasn't measuring as expected. A subsequent ultrasound revealed that Emma had low amniotic fluid. This news left Emma and James anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead.


What is Amniotic Fluid, and Why is it Important?


Emma and James learned that amniotic fluid is crucial to Dillion’s development and protection. It acts as a cushion, protecting the fetal health from external pressure and trauma. It maintains a consistent temperature, allows for movement, promotes musculoskeletal development, and plays a role in the baby's lung development.


What are the Causes of Low Amniotic Fluid?


Emma's doctor explained that oligohydramnios could result from various factors, including Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), which is a leakage or rupture of the amniotic sac that can lead to low fluid levels. Additional causes of oligohydramnios include:



Symptoms of Low Amniotic Fluid


Reflecting on her experience, Emma realized she had noticed some signs but didn't understand their significance at the time. A few days in a row, she found unexpected wetness in her underwear. It was not much, but she now knows it was a leakage of amniotic fluid that could have indicated a rupture of her membranes. Other signs of low amniotic fluid include:



  • Decreased fetal movement

  • Smaller uterus size than expected for the stage of pregnancy

  • Abnormal fetal position, such as breech position


Diagnosing Oligohydramnios


Emma's doctor used several methods to diagnose her condition, but the first step was an ultrasound to measure the amount of amniotic fluid and assess the baby's growth and development. Once it was determined that her fluids were leaking, Emma’s doctor conducted a non-stress test (NST) to monitor Dillon’s heart rate and movements. Finally, Emma underwent a biophysical profile (BPP) -  an ultrasound and NST combination to evaluate Dillion’s overall well-being.


Medical Treatments for Low Amniotic Fluid


Emma's treatment plan depended on the severity of her condition and the stage of her pregnancy. Her doctor recommended hydration and intravenous (IV) fluids to help increase amniotic fluid levels. Her doctor closely monitored Dillion, and Emma was advised to rest as much as possible, so she went on maternity leave from her job as a teacher a few weeks earlier than expected. Additional treatments for oligohydramnios may include:



  • Amnioinfusion: During labor, a saline solution could be infused into the amniotic sac through a catheter to increase fluid levels and reduce complications.

  • Preterm delivery: If the condition becomes severe, doctors may discuss the possibility of an early delivery to ensure the baby's safety.


Coping with Oligohydramnios


Learning that she had low amniotic fluid was stressful and overwhelming for Emma and James, and they relied heavily on one another to get through the stress. They educated themselves about the condition and its implications, which empowered them to make informed decisions about Emma’s care. They also sought support from friends and family who could help around the house while Emma focused on resting. We are happy to report that Dillon was welcomed into the world happy and healthy during Emma’s 39th week of pregnancy!


Conclusion


Emma's experience with low amniotic fluid highlighted the importance of understanding this condition, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. While it was challenging, staying informed and closely following her healthcare provider's advice helped ensure the best possible outcome for her and her baby. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, always consult with your healthcare provider. Early detection and management are key to navigating this condition with confidence and support.


References



  1. Keilman, C., & Shanks, A. L. (2022, September 12). Oligohydramnios. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562326/ 

  2. Articles. (n.d.). https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/o/oligohydramnios.html 

  3. American Pregnancy Association. (2021, December 9). Low amniotic fluid levels: oligohydramnios. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/oligohydramnios/ 

  4. Shamsnajafabadi, H., & Soheili, Z. (2022). Amniotic fluid characteristics and its application in stem cell therapy: A review. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v20i8.11752 

  5. Lord, M., Marino, S., & Kole, M. (2023, March 13). Amniotic fluid Index. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441881/ 

  6. Figueroa, L., McClure, E. M., Swanson, J., Nathan, R., Garces, A. L., Moore, J. L., Krebs, N. F., Hambidge, K. M., Bauserman, M., Lokangaka, A., Tshefu, A., Mirza, W., Saleem, S., Naqvi, F., Carlo, W. A., Chomba, E., Liechty, E. A., Esamai, F., Swanson, D., . . . Goldenberg, R. L. (2020). Oligohydramnios: a prospective study of fetal, neonatal and maternal outcomes in low-middle income countries. Reproductive Health, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-020-0854-y 

  7. Galal, M., Symonds, I., Murray, H., Petraglia, F., & Smith, R. S. (2012). Post-term pregnancy. In FVV in OBGYN (Vol. 4, Issue 3, pp. 175–187). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991404/pdf/FVVinObGyn-4-175-187.pdf 

  8. Broek, C. M. a. T., Bots, J., Varela-Lasheras, I., Bugiani, M., Galis, F., & Van Dongen, S. (2013). Amniotic Fluid Deficiency and Congenital Abnormalities both Influence Fluctuating Asymmetry in Developing Limbs of Human Deceased Fetuses. PloS One, 8(11), e81824. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0081824 

  9. FDA Error. (n.d.). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic 

  10. Keilman, C., & Shanks, A. L. (2022b, September 12). Oligohydramnios. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562326/  

  11. Rabie, N., Magann, E., Steelman, S., & Ounpraseuth, S. (2017). Oligohydramnios in complicated and uncomplicated pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 49(4), 442–449. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.15929 

  12. View of Prophylactic amnioinfusion in oligohydramnios. (n.d.). https://www.ijrcog.org/index.php/ijrcog/article/view/7633/5170 


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Erica Brown

LinkedIn

Erica is a seasoned content writer and journalist with a deep passion for transforming complex topics into compelling, relatable narratives. Since launching her writing career in 2009, she has championed the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and connect with readers on a personal level. Erica excels at diving deep into subjects through meticulous research, then crafting stories that are not only informative but also unforgettable. With expertise in marketing, education, sustainable medicine, pregnancy, and motherhood, she has a unique ability to create content that resonates deeply with her audience. Erica is particularly passionate about how advancements in these fields can empower women, enhance their well-being, and create lasting positive impacts.

user author

Erica Brown
LinkedIn

Erica is a seasoned content writer and journalist with a deep passion for transforming complex topics into compelling, relatable narratives. Since launching her writing career in 2009, she has championed the power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and connect with readers on a personal level. Erica excels at diving deep into subjects through meticulous research, then crafting stories that are not only informative but also unforgettable. With expertise in marketing, education, sustainable medicine, pregnancy, and motherhood, she has a unique ability to create content that resonates deeply with her audience. Erica is particularly passionate about how advancements in these fields can empower women, enhance their well-being, and create lasting positive impacts.