38 weeks pregnant, too much amniotic fluid, any experiences?

Mrs. Bob Loblaw · Jul 21, 2015

Last pregnancy, I got a lot of advice when I was worried about having a c-section. I am scheduled to have my 2nd baby a week from tomorrow, at 39 weeks. I am 37 years old, have gestational hypertension, and since around 32 weeks, I have had too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), with no known cause for it. I was holding steady at around 28 cm of fluid, which I believe put me in the "moderate" category for polyhydramnios. I am monitored twice weekly, which includes the fetal non-stress monitoring and an ultrasound to check the baby and my fluid. From Friday to today, my fluid increased by 11 cm, all the way up to 39 cm. This puts me into the severe category. My baby is also breech.

My baby also scored non-responsive on the non-stress test. His heart rate elevated some, but it did not happen enough times. I ate before going in for monitoring and they had to use the belly buzzer twice on him. I am going back tomorrow for another non-stress test, to make sure everything is okay. They tell me to make sure I can feel the baby move a lot, but as I told them, I can't always tell. I think all that fluid is giving him lots of room to move without me feeling it easily.

The doctor decided that, since my c-section is already scheduled, we'll just keep that date. From reading, it sounds like I am at a higher risk for complications and if my water breaks with my baby in breech position, it could be extremely dangerous.

Also, the risk of birth defects seems like it's really high. I found one study that said, for severe polyhydramnios, only 25% of babies are born without any problems, and the problems the babies do have sound pretty major.

Has anyone been through this or know someone who has? I am freaking out about all the problems associated with this and can't calm my head. It's feeling pretty hopeless and I'm doubting my doctors' decisions to not deliver me a week earlier than scheduled.

lanejudy · Jul 21, 2015

Oh my! I don't have any experience with polyhydramnios but it sounds like you need a :hug:

! I suggest that you stop researching online and get your information directly from your medical professionals. Online tends to give us all the worst-case scenarios. Please come back next week and let us know all is ok!
:grouphug:

AZMermaid · Jul 21, 2015

I agree! I have no advice just Mama hugs! Try not to read too much, way easier said then done I know!

usnuzuloose · Jul 21, 2015

I have never heard of it. But don't freak out. I am sure your doctor has dealt with this before. Just keep yourself relaxed. Stressing out won't change anything. You didn't say when your c-section is scheduled. Just do what your doctor tells you. Your in my prayers. And here is a big :hug:

22Tink · Jul 21, 2015

Oh no! How scary. Unfortunately I have never experienced this, although with my first pregnancy I was borderline toxemic so I understand your fears. I'm sure your Dr. knows what's best, but never be afraid to voice your feelings. It's important your Dr. knows how you're feeling! As hard as it is, try to relax. Your body and baby don't need the extra stress. Hang in there and keep us posted!! Sending hugs :hug:

and prayers your way.

cluno · Jul 21, 2015

I'm sorry that I have nothing to offer but some hugs. Don't feel shy about raising your concerns and asking any questions that you have at your next appointment.

wmjeffer · Jul 22, 2015

I had a high risk pregnancy (due to gestational diabetes and a genetic blood clotting disorder - by the end of my pregnancy, I was giving myself 3 shots a day!). Because of that, I had a ton of non-stress tests near the end of my pregnancy. Sometimes, the little buggers just don't want to move! I've had pretty long NST's waiting for baby to move around, changed position, etc. I can't speak to excess fluid, but wanted to offer reassurance on the NST

Uncooperative babies aren't unusual.

Have you tried doing kick counts each day? I did these, during a time when baby was usually active, to keep an eye on movement.

Also, try to stay away from Google - this will not help you and only cause additional worry! (though I know first hand how difficult it is to take that advice). Be open and honest with your doctor about your fears - they have chosen to keep that c-section date for a reason. Perhaps if you talk with them about how you're feeling, they can offer more reassurance and explanation

Mrs. Bob Loblaw · Jul 23, 2015

Thanks everyone! I finally get to talk to my perinatologist tomorrow. He is only in town for 1 day twice a month, and it's been 4 weeks since I got to talk to him. I tried to talk to my OB about it (when I was first diagnosed, but before the levels were super high) and he said to talk to my other doctor about it - not helpful at all. I was supposed to see my OB for an appointment yesterday, too. I waited over an hour before they sent the nurse in to listen to the heartbeat for 10 seconds and send me on my way. This was after fetal monitoring at the other place, so there was really no point, other than my doctor getting paid. It was my last appointment before delivery next week, too, so I didn't even get a chance to ask any final questions. I'm really unhappy with the overall healthcare here - it's not nearly as good as other places I've lived. It's also why I use the internet for research. In fact, my husband got really sick after surgery this year and missed out on almost 3 months of work (stressful pregnancy, for sure!). He spent 9 days in the hospital, saw tons of doctors and a psychologist (to make sure it wasn't psychosomatic). None could help him. We honestly were worried he would die (he could not eat or drink without throwing up and lost over 80 pounds, collapsed several times, possibly lost his gallbladder as a result of severe dehydration, could not mentally function, etc). He even was temporarily pre-diabetic because of the "diet" one doctor put him on (weight gainer shake liquid diet). I researched supplements, acupuncture, and a "healthy" liquid diet and he didn't start getting better until I intervened.

Unfortunately, the research thing can lead to lots of extra worries. I wish I had better luck with doctors here, so I could actually talk to a good one to answer my questions! I guess I'll get all the answers I'm looking for this Wednesday, when I have my baby! In the meantime, I'm taking comfort in the fact that he passed his extra monitoring yesterday and he even did his practice breathing (at the end of a 25 minute ultrasound - he's stubborn!). I'm doing kick counts nightly, too. He sure likes to move when the doctors' offices are closed.

AZMermaid · Jul 23, 2015

Thanks for the update! I will keep sending you good vibes!!

njmom76 · Jul 24, 2015

Hugs! I was borderline (25 or 28) with my first pregnancy and off the charts (over 50) with my son - no known cause and only other high risk factor was my age (36 at his birth), but it was discovered around 30 weeks. I was induced at 39 weeks due to the increased complications if you go into labor on your own (so definitely go in at any signs) and have a healthy 2.5 yo old son. No complications at all. I had bi-weekly NSTs and ultrasounds, but they were all fine (1 NST showed little movement, but the u/s was fine). I wish you the best. I also say stay away from google for this as there isn't a lot known and it'll scare you (been there) and go with your gut - nothing is as good as a mother's intuition.

cluno · Jul 24, 2015

So glad you updated! I wish I could fast forward to Wednesday for you!

kandb · Jul 27, 2015

I am sure you are getting excited that you are getting so close to your delivery date. Sending good vibes your way. Please update us when your precious baby arrives!!!!!!

cluno · Jul 28, 2015

Good luck tomorrow!

22Tink · Jul 28, 2015

Yes!! Best wishes for a safe delivery!

ELSA711 · Jul 28, 2015

I had similar experience as 'wmjeffer' with clotting disorder and shots. I had gestational diabetes and polyhydramnios. My perinatologist and OB monitored me two weeks out and all worked out fine.

They will induce you if they are worried. I was scheduled to be induced but my baby decided to come 10 days early...Healthy perfect little baby.

Best wishes for a healthy delivery for both you and baby. Can't wait to hear.

pigletgirl · Jul 28, 2015

Best wishes for a healthy delivery and healthy baby boy! :hug:

Mousemommy1 · Jul 28, 2015

Good luck in having your precious baby tomorrow!!!

bhardy · Jul 28, 2015

I had extra fluid with my first and she came out perfectly fine and they tried to induce 2xs but nothing then decided on a c-section this was right at 40 weeks. Then for my second (a scheduled c-section at 39 1/2 weeks) she again was fine and they then discovered I had extra fluid again that the didn't catch. So I would say wverything is going to be fine and it is good that they are monitoring you but no need to panic. I wish you the best of luck!!!

HyperPippi · Jul 28, 2015

Well, I've had this twice, but... two very different experiences. My oldest had a severe heart defect detected at 19 week ultrasound. I was around 25 AFI at that time and by the time I got around to month 8 or so, it had dropped to maybe 17. So no real danger from the fluid, but his heart caused him to fail a NST and be an emergency C-section anyway at 39w5d. He was 7lb 11oz and 21 inches, so a good sized baby for a heart baby. (That helped because his first heart surgery was at 4 days old.)

My second son was fully healthy but I was simply huge with liquid with him. I stayed at 25 AFI but this kid disengaged his head at 37 weeks, flipped transverse, then flipped breach, then flipped back head down but never re-engaged. I never had a single contraction, which spoiled my chance at a VBAC. So he came out as scheduled at 39w5d too. But you know how goldfish grow to fit the size of the bowl/aquarium? I swear he did too. He was over a pound heavier at 8 lb 13oz and almost 22 inches long. (And yes, I know the exact due date was correct because we were charting.) But the nurses in the recovery room were remarking how he had one of the biggest heads they've ever seen. (After that, I didn't regret not getting the VBAC.)

So I've had a perfectly healthy child with polyhydramnios and a very sick one with polyhydramnios. In neither case did the fluid affect my c-section or even contractions at all.

Sunshinegrl243 · Jul 29, 2015

My third was breech, diagnosed w polyhydramnios (If I remember correctly my fluid varied from 28-38cm). Doc thought she would be over 10lb so we went with a c-section ten days before her due date. Previous births were vaginal, but I got freaked out with the possible complications and agreed on the c-section that afternoon. She was born just over 8lb perfectly healthy. Don't let Dr. Google freak you out!! Prayers for a healthy outcome- and congratulations! :goodvibes

38 weeks pregnant, too much amniotic fluid, any experiences?

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