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%.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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!
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.
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