Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid (Oligohydramnios) in Pregnancy

Question
Hello,

We have just returned from our scan and have been told my wife has low amniotic fluid levels. My wife is 26 weeks 4 days pregnant and the reading was 9.3cm. I know that we are still a little away from being at high risk level but are concerned as all was fine 6 weeks ago at our 20 week scan and my wife is certain that she has not 'leaked' any amniotic fluid. The sonographer did say during the scan that the baby appeared to have a full bladder, is there a possibility that once the baby empties their bladder the levels will rise considerably?

We have been booked in for another scan in a week's time where they will monitor whether the levels have dropped further or risen. With the levels as they are would you be particularly concerned, especially as we are still relatively early in the pregnancy and is there anything you can suggest my wife should do to retain/increase levels?

Many thanks

Answer
Dear Anthony

An index of 9 is definitely low but at this stage requires nothing but monitoring. Most cases with low index improve and, in some ocassions amnioinfusion (injecting fluid into the amniotic cavity around the baby) is useful.
However, since the main source of amniotic fluid is the baby's urine, a low index may indicate an obstructive problem with its urinary tract. A proper diagnosis is only possible with a repeat scan(s).

Good Luck