QuestionQUESTION: Let me first say that ALL my fluid leaked out with my 2nd baby and he is now 2 with alot of unexplained problems. Now I am 33weeks pregnant with baby number 3.I have had vaginal pain for about a week or so and it only hurts when I pee or bend over.I was told I had placenta previa I kept telling the doctor I was leaking and he told me it was impossible because of the placenta previa well I found out today I don't have it and I am leaking fluid. she said 5cm is alarming or less and I'm a 6.1cm. I also have been having pain in my lower back and shortness of breathe. SHOULD I BE WORRIED?? WHAT CAN IT BE??
ANSWER: Dear Camey,
As to the measurement of amniotic fluid - the sonographer will measure the largest pockets of amniotic fluid in four different sections of your uterus and add them together to see where you rate on the amniotic fluid index (AFI). A normal measure for the 3rd trimester is between 5 and 25cm. A total of less than 5 cm is considered low. It sounds like your measurement was 6.1 cm, so you are right on the edge of being low.
A ruptured membrane can increase the risk of infection to both you and your baby because it provides a way for bacteria to enter the amniotic sac. How your pregnancy will be managed depends on how far along a pregnancy is, how your baby's doing, and whether you have other complications. Sometimes doctors will place you on bedrest or order an antibiotic. In any case, your baby will monitored very closely with frequent ultrasounds and possibly nonstress tests. You'll be encouraged to drink lots of fluids, do fetal kick counts, and let your doctor know immediately if you notice your baby becoming less active.
As to your symptoms of vaginal pain/pressure with voiding or bending, back pain, and shortness of breath, I can only speculate. All are symptoms which women can normally have in the latter weeks of pregnancy due to the stretching of the round ligament and the musculature around the uterus plus the separating of the pubic bones in preparation for labor. Shortness of breath can naturally happen with the extra weight of the pregnancy and the pressure on the diaphragm. However, with your diagnosis I would simply suggest that you note all the symptoms to your doctor so that he/she can examine/evaluate you thoroughly to rule out any other cause or relationship to your diagnosis.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
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QUESTION: Thank you. You your basically right on with everything. I seen a doctor today and I am ordered to go in 3 times a week for stress test,to see him, and an Ultrasound. He gave me medicine to STOP my contractions. So thank you about the pain in my vagina though cause he hasn't said anything about that and that would make sense considering my cervix is softened and I am having contractions. Anyway THANK YOU so much!
AnswerDear Camey,
You are very welcome. Again, continue to make note of anything you have concerns about and share it with your doctor. Because of the situation, he should be much more "in tune" to small differences in your condition and you are his best source of information regarding those little changes.
The reassuring part is that it sounds like you (and your baby) will have very frequent contact with the doctor and they will stay right on top of things.
I hope I've helped you and will have a good thought for you and your baby!
Brenda
