Question
Low amniotic fluid: Should I worry?
I’m 24 weeks pregnant. At my last ultrasound, my doctor said I had low amniotic fluid. Should I be worried?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) may be cause for concern. Amniotic fluid provides a cushion baby nurse ny that protects your baby from injury and allows room for growth, movement and development. Amniotic fluid volume also reflects the baby’s urine output — which is an important measure of a baby’s well-being.
Amniotic fluid normally decreases in the last weeks of pregnancy. Various factors may contribute to low amniotic fluid earlier in pregnancy, including:
- Premature rupture of the amniotic sac
- Certain chronic conditions in the mother, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and lupus
- Certain medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Certain health conditions in the baby, such as a kidney or urinary tract problem, a heart or lung defect, or a genetic disorder
There are few treatments for low amniotic fluid. Drinking more baby nurse water may help. In some cases, bed rest is recommended. During labor, it may be possible to infuse saline into the sac holding your amniotic fluid to cushion the umbilical cord. If the baby’s heart rate drops or the umbilical cord is compressed, you may need a C-section.
Your health care provider will carefully monitor your pregnancy to help prevent complications.