WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 2001: extremely low amniotic fluid

extremely low amniotic fluid

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Fri, 6 Apr 2001 23:41:15 -0500 (CDT)

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Reply: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: extremely low amniotic fluid"

I am 43 at 36 weeks with child number six. I have gestational diabetes and recently developed PIH.

I have had a severe cough for five months which has not responded to medication. A couple of weeks ago I suspected I may be leaking amniotic fluid. The fluid coming from my body was extremely hot and had a distinct smell. However, I thought I was being silly that I was just incontinent from the coughing fits. When my doctor did an AFI, she said that my fluid was low (7.3) and recommended bedrest. I continued to work but rested at home and the level went to 7.7. She said that it was unlikely I was leaking amniotic fluid, because it would gush. Then the leaking stopped, even when coughing.

Now I have an increase in my coughing and a dramatic increase in the leakage. I have had several potentially embarrassing moments. An AFI showed my fluid level to be 3.4. The doctor wants to induce labor anyway because of my PIH although she hasn't tried controlling it with medication. Now she says that it is imperative that I go on complete bedrest and induce labor at 37 weeks, if not before.

My baby is healthy as far as one can tell through ultrasounds, growth measurements, etc. All my numerous lab tests are normal although my doctor seems anxious to find me preeclamptic.

What should I do? I don't entirely trust my doctor, but want to do what is best for the baby! The stress is killing me! Can I hold out for a natural childbirth when I go into labor on my own--even if I am leaking? Does increasing my fluid intake help the baby any? Does bedrest really help?

Next message: M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, : "Re: irreglular bleeding"
Previous message: M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, : "Re: Medication and Conception"
Next in thread: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: extremely low amniotic fluid"
Reply: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: extremely low amniotic fluid"

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