First chink in the armor... maybe

[danielsmom]

Our fluid is "subjectively low" as my OB calls it. I've got an AFI of at least 5, so it's okay, but has definitely taken a dip this week. Up until this point I've had big pockets everywhere, now they're small except for one good sized one near the top. BP is high/normal for me at 120/75, and the blood flow looks great. Her growth is also on target. She's kicking and practicing breathing too. Dr. told me to try and be lazy for awhile. He didn't say bedrest.

I'm not freaking out. It's such a blessing to be almost 35 weeks. If I recall correctly, it seems like people make it about 2 weeks on average after they first start mentioning low fluid. I have 3.5 weeks to my C section date. But I know things can move fast too. What concerns me is that my husband is traveling next week to a station that is hard to get in/out of, and the flight is over 3 hours. He doesn't come home until Friday night, and my next appt is Thursday. So I hope we don't have a delivery decision next Thursday without him here.

[MomTimesThree]

I am going to be crossin' all crossables that this is your one bump... because it just seems impossible (and totally unfair) to be totally bump free and that by next appointment you find that fluid has gone up to a more comfortable level and those pesky pressures behave themselves. 35 weeks is so substantial, but I'll still be keeping everything crossed for that next 3.5 weeks, especially with hubby's travel schedule.

[angieb]

Oh bummer!

Are you not going back for another week? I am surprised they aren't following up sooner. Personally, with a level of 5, I'd want to be back in a few days to make sure it's not lower, as that can be an indication of fetal distress. My levels with Lucas were always 10+.

[danielsmom]

Sorry - It wasn't 5, or close to 5... my OB just mentioned in passing that 5 was the cutoff for having low fluid (which I knew anyway). I still have more than adequate fluid, a nice pocket up top and several all around, but it's not as obviously ideal as we've seen before. So it's a change, but not necessarily out of the normal range yet.

[Shannonlynn]

Hang in there. I have faith that things are going to be just fine. Take it easy and rest. Everything sounds good overall. Thinking of you

[JB]

I'm glad you're almost 35 weeks! I think you will be able to make it full term. Just try not to worry and take care of yourself. Definitely take it easy and stay hydrated!

[angieb]

Sorry - It wasn't 5, or close to 5... my OB just mentioned in passing that 5 was the cutoff for having low fluid (which I knew anyway). I still have more than adequate fluid, a nice pocket up top and several all around, but it's not as obviously ideal as we've seen before. So it's a change, but not necessarily out of the normal range yet.

Oh okay! That's better! The baby's position can have a lot to do with how they get fluid levels. There was one day when Luke did so badly at his NST and BPP that they admitted me to the hospital. At my first fluid check (before they admitted me), my fluid level was pretty high, like 18. Several hours later when they checked it, Luke had changed position and there was a different sonographer measuring the levels, and my fluid levels were down to like a 10! (And it was fine, he was fine, just some unnecessary extra drama.)

[danielsmom]

Oh wow! Do you think his fluid levels were really a 10 with the different sonographer, or was it just a bad measurement? I wonder how position can affect it?

This girl has been head down... well, head waaaaay down for awhile. I about jump off the table when he's got the ultrasound wand down low. He said it's tender because she's sitting right on my pubic bone. I can feel her roll from side to side, but she hasn't flipped around.

I had low fluid with Daniel at 25 weeks. I focused on drinking a whole lot and the next week the fluid was great. I'm trying that, just hoping it will buy me a little more time. It could be the placenta saying "I'm tired." I'm just so glad that the finish line is near anyway.

[cmccaffrey]

omg! Same thing happened to me. Positioning can REALLY change the AFI levels. I remember on more than one occasion Noah was positioned funny and they got lower numbers, so the doctor would double check and after I changed positions it would change the AFI level. It was weird. The last time they actually were low, even after changing positions a few times, but seriously try sitting up more or getting in a different position. It's worth a shot to get an accurate reading!

[kbielec]

Hang in there lady...doing great so far. Fingers crossed for you that hubby is home for delivery!