Questioni am 34.1 weeks pregnant, i am 1cm dilated and 50% effaced, the dr.told me that my fluid was alittle low. what does that mean? do you think i am going to go into labor soon? this is my 3rd child my youngest is only 13 months. my dr. wants me to get to 35 weeks. at 35 weeks are the lungs developed enough? i am hoping for a christmas baby. thank you for your time.
AnswerDilation and effacement really have no bearing on when you will go into labor, nor do they mean anything during labor. Every women progresses differently. I recommend refusing internal exams during the third trimester and during labor, because they do not give you or your doctor any useful information on which to base any decisions, and they introduce risks of infection and increase anxiety.
Did your doctor mention your fluid was low after an ultrasound exam? This is the only way to really measure your fluid level. Did he give you a number? If your fluid level is above 5cm, you are okay, and you can refuse any early delivery interventions (including induction and c-section) unless your baby is in obvious distress (fails a biophysical profile).
If your fluid level was below 5 cm, ask for a recheck. Before you go in for the next ultrasound, drink at least 10-12 glasses of water every day for the three days prior to the test. Low amniotic fluid can be caused by poor hydration in the mother. If you can correct this by simply rehydrating yourself, all your problems are solved and you have no worries.
If your fluid level remains low after a second exam, your doctor may want to take further steps, as low amniotic fluid (or oligohydramnios) does present risks to the baby. If your doctor suggests early delivery, make sure you fully understand why he believes it is imperative, and request an amniocentesis to check for the baby's lung development. Even at 36 or 37 weeks, some baby's lungs are still somewhat immature, and they may require ICU support after birth. If you can delay birth knowing this, or provide steroid shots to help mature the lungs, you can improve the outcome. Discuss your options with your doctor if necessary.
