low fluids

[cmccaffrey]

According to my doctors and my last menstrual period I am 35 weeks (based on ovulation, I am 34 and 3 days, but whatever). Anyways, Friday my Perinatologist is doing an ultrasound to see if my amniotic fluid levels are low and if they are he wants to do an amnio and deliver within a few days. The baby does not have IUGR at this point, but he is really small like ranging from 28th-30th percentile. Doesn't that seem really soon to anyone else? Mind you I have not had blood pressure complications or protein in urine problems this entire pregnancy. I am just kind of freaking out that this baby is going to end up in the NICU, like my last and possibly face late term preemie complications. Both of my doctors fear that if my fluid levels are dropping then pre-e will be soon to follow and they really don't want to chance that. Do you think I should push for my doctors to wait it out and see? I know they are looking out for me, but I can't face losing another baby and taking him early worries me so much.

What are your thoughts?

[lornarose]

Christa
My baby was taken at 34 weeks and she is doing brilliantly. They suspected sepsis but she didn't have it, so it was just a matter of fattening her up a tad. You'll probably at the least get your baby to 36 weeks-I am sure he will be just fine. I think my little one was 5 percentile and IUGR and 34 weeker. Your guy is already ahead of this and the odds are stacked very much in your favour. Just wanted to give you my experience of a later preemie. Lots of luck to you, honey. You will do great.xxx

[danielsmom]

Holy cow, I can't believe you're 35 weeks already! Wonderful. Anyway, you're in really good shape. Plus, by Friday, you'll be closer to 36 weeks. Even if your little one has a brief NICU stay, and there's a big chance he/she won't, it will be an entirely different deal than with a 30 weeker. There's much more maturity on their systems.

I had a friend deliver at 35 weeks (early labor) and her son had no NICU stay. Also, my sister-in-law just had a baby in November at 34 weeks and 0 days (placental abruption), and his NICU stay was only 12 days. I couldn't believe that his monitor rarely ever dinged. I know my son had a lot of desats and bradys at 34 weeks gestation, but he was a 27 weeker. It's amazing how different it is. Anyway, my new nephew had a couple days with a cpap, a couple days with a nasal canula, both on very low O2 settings, and then he was breathing on his own and just learning how to eat.

If I were you, if my doctors so recommended, I'd rather have a healthy 36 weeker out and be a healthy mom, rather than chance getting sick, which only puts the baby in destress and is a harder recovery for you. In the meantime until Friday, I'd take it easy and drink all the water I could! At least 2 liters a day. Check this out: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12698777

Wishing you the best!

[hypergirl_trlee]

They took my second out at 36 weeks and she was in the nicu for a day and a half because she was grunting.. turns out that was just her way. lol. She came home with me the day I left though.. no significant nicu time. If everything goes according to plan this time and I can get to 36 weeks again, they will be taking this one out then also. Doc doesn't want to risk me having contractions with a previous classical c section.

[cmccaffrey]

I've been feeling like CRAP the past few days... I hope that doesn't mean anything bad is headed my way. I feel like I need to get all of my ducks in a row before my appointment on Friday just in case it turns into a hospital stay. Washing, packing and getting in a few last minute appointments here and there. Why does pre-e have to take the joy out of EVERYTHING?

[danielsmom]

Oh no! What is it? Any pre-e symptoms? Or just the usual I'm-huge-and-very-pregnant stuff? I really hope all is ok. I would get that bag packed though.

And yeah, I hate how this pre-e stuff poo-poos on everything.

[cmccaffrey]

So I had my appointment today and his fluid levels were pretty good, which means I don't have to go into the hospital! HURRAY! My doctor is starting me on heparin twice daily because he seems to be engaged and extremely low in my pelvis. I go to my regular OB on Tuesday and will ask him to check my cervix (maybe). Anyways, I think what I have been feeling is just normal pregnancy stuff, I just haven't experienced it before because I haven't been this pregnant before. Blood pressure has been behaving and protein levels have remained low. I guess I will just keep taking it day by day and hope that I can go into labor naturally and get this baby here safely via vbac!

[danielsmom]

I am so jealous. Oh how I want to be big and miserable and really really pregnant... LOL!

Great news that your BP and protein is in check. I'll be praying for a safe and natural delivery and a healthy baby!

[cmccaffrey]

Oh wow! super positive appointment this morning. My fluid jumped from a 7.25 to a 10.25!!! Both my OB and Peri are excited and working together to hope that my vbac happens! Now to spontaneously go into labor before 40 weeks! I can't believe I am going on 36 weeks... I remember when they told me I would be lucky to get to 30, now we are shooting for 40? I might have a chunky baby yet! BP was 101/71 today too! I am trying to not get my hopes up too too much, but wow... Good news, right? Now I just need to get my energy levels up. I am so exhausted after my appointment that I had to take a nap. lol

[sam10]

Yay!