Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

Well, I went for my growth sono today at NSUH in Manhasset. I also had my Level II and Ultrascreen done there earlier on in my pregnancy.

I'm now 33 and a half weeks. The good news is the baby is head down and weighs a little under 5 pounds. Not sure about the length. And it was difficult to really see the baby at this point, other than specific areas. The last sono I had was at 20 weeks so I kind-of expected that.

I found out that my amniotic fluid is low. They sent me immediately to Labor and Delivery on the same floor and did a stress test. They also gave me an IV with fluid. They also gave me a shot of a steroid to help the baby's lungs develop. The stress test came out good which made me feel better. I was in the hospital about 5 and a half hours altogether (including initial sono). Ironically, I was hanging out in a L&D room for 4 of those hours.

My concern now is the low amniotic fluid. I guess I wouldn't be as concerend if I was further along and knew I might have to be induced. But knowing the baby isn't quite 5 pounds yet and still needs some extra time to develop makes me nervous and scared.

So I have to go twice a week now until I deliver back to NSUH to measure the amniotic fluid and I guess make sure everything's okay. I also have to call my OB first thing tomorrow morning to find out what to do next. They told me I may have to go on bed rest and drink extra fluids which kindof stinks because I still have so much to finish up at work before my LOA person comes in (I was supposed to work another 4 weeks until my 38th week). My shower is also next Sunday. In the meantime, I barely have a thing for the baby except for a few onesies. I think I'm going to buy the carseat this weekend just to have it and start packing a bag.

Anyway, I'm freaking out a little bit now. I want the baby to be okay and my amniotic fluid to rise. The doctors/nurses told me with bedrest and lots of fluids the amniotic fluid may increase on its own. Just curious if this has happened to anyone else around 33 weeks or so. I appreciate any advice and thank you for all of your support in general!

ETA: I have been drinking what I thought were plenty of fluids. I guess I'll have to drink much more now. They're not sure why the amniotic fluid is low either, so I hope drinking more water will help.

Message edited 12/29/2006 4:50:06 PM.

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry!

just wanted to send some hugs your way. i really dont have any advice but it sounds like they are going to monitor you very closely by going 2 times a week. i've also been told that once you reach 34 weeks it is a huge thing and the baby's lungs are much more developed. so even if u end up having to go early your little one should be pretty well developed.

good luck.

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry!

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry!

I know of 2 women who had low fluid. One was put on bed rest for about a wk...and her fluids recovered. The other needed to deliver at 33 wks. Her little boy is 3 now.

lots of hugs and prayers for a healthy outcome

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry!

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry!

Everything will be fine. The most important part is that they are monitoring you. They are aware of the situation and are doing what needs to be done to make sure your baby is delivered healthy.

My DH was born at 27 weeks and SIL was born at 32 weeks, they are both thriving adults with NO lung problems whatsoever.

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

Thanks everyone! Some more uplifting news...I went back to NSUH today for the other shot of the steroid, another non-stress test, and another ultrasound to check the fluids.

Prior to this appointment, I spoke with one of the OB's from the practice where I go and she told me my amniotic fluid levels measured 5.7 cm. She said ideally they should measure about 15 cm at this point in the pregnancy. If my fluid levels did not increase by the end of the week, they would have me deliver, which would put me at about 35 weeks. They probably would not induce me to cause more stress to the baby and just do a C-Section.

Today my amnitotic fluid levels measured 11 cm, which is significantly better than yesterday. I'm not sure if it was the IV they gave me or what, but something helped. So I just have to remain on bedrest and be monitored. My next appointment is back at NSUH on Monday. I'm still not sure if I can return to work. I know I won't be there on Tuesday and part of Wednesday for more doctor appoinmtents.

I just wanted to thank everyone again for their support. Thanks to this message board, I knew to inquire about a growth sonogram. My OB agreed to it, but I'm not sure if I definitely would have received it if I didn't ask. Thanks to the sonogram, they were able to detect the low fluid levels. You have all been a tremendous help to me throughout my pregnancy and I appreciate all of your advice!

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

Thant is great aht your fluid jumped up so much. Just try and take it easy when you can and DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!! I also had low fluid that was caught at 35 weeks except my level was 3.2cm. I was put into the hospital, pumped with IV fluids and delivered 3 days later. My ds is now 3 1/2 years old with not a problem in the world except that he's too busy to really concentrate on potty training!!!! He's stubborn like his father. If something better is going on he can't be bothered!

Good luck and rest when you can!!

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

i had low amniotic fluid when i was pregnant with hannah. i was put on bedrest and at one point was hospitalized with an iv drio to stay hydrated. if your levels get under a certain point then there is concern. i am glad to hear that your numbers went up. my water broke at 35 weeks and i had a c section b/c she was breech. she was born at 4 lbs and everything was fine. no problems at all. just wanted to send you some hugs and let you know that it will all be okay. just take it easy and drink alot of water.

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

Glad you got good news!

Re: Interesting experience at my growth sono today, need some advice...Long - sorry! UPDATE at bottom.

First of all, glad you got better news

Second, work, smurk... seriously, I used to be freaking if I had to take one sick day, now I've learned, my job was there many years before me, nad will be there many years after me. Your co-workers will just have to adjust and figure it out.... nothing is more important than you and your baby's health.

You are also in fantastic hands at NSUH. Although I am very biased my RE is there and he got me pg and I would never even think of delivering anyplace else considering the care I received. They have EXCELLENT facilites including a NICU that is tops on LI... but you won't be needing that because all will be fine

As for the baby stuff, organize whoever is throwing your shower, see what's been bought off the registry what hasn't been and maybe they can scramble and make sure you have the essentials for the hospital and for when the baby comes home. Get that hospital bag packed now... give DH a checklist and tell him to pack the bag within 24 hours.

As for cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc... sorry but everyone else is going to have to do it... time for them to step up to the plate and for you to put your feet up, relax and drink, drink, drink lots of water

Everything else in life can wait