Questioni am 33.3 weeks, i went to the drs.and got a ultrasound and she said that my fluid was alittle low. she said it was 6.45. what does that mean? she also said that i am 1cm dialated and 50% effaced and the baby weighs 5lbs. How off can the ultrasound be the weight? I lost my mucous plug almost 2 weeks ago. Does that mean that labor is on its way? one more question is it safe to have sex? thank you for your time and answering all of my questions.
AnswerDear Brooke,
When a woman is diagnosed with low amniotic fluid this is called "oligohydramnios". Typically, though, this is when there is an AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index) of less than 5cm. This means that during an ultrasound the largest pocket of fluid found did not measure 1 cm or greater at its largest diameter. On ultrasound, they either want to see pockets greater than 1 cm in diameter or adequate fluid, seen everywhere between the fetus and uterine wall. You have noted your value as being 6.45. This would be considered barely low. Normal would be 7. The most recent studies say that the AFI is not a "great" predictor of the Amniotic fluid volume (actual amount of fluid), but it's really the best we've got to try and determine volume and potential problems.
As far as your dilation and effacement, your cervix is definitely getting ready for labor and delivery. If I had to guess, I'd suspect this is not your first baby. If it IS, you are getting much of the work of labor done early for a first-timer. It's impossible to know WHEN you will actually deliver simply by these symptoms though. Obviously, it's always better to get as close to the 37 week mark as possible. So try to get plenty of rest and avoid unnecessary exertion.
Ultrasounds can be off a bit on weight the further along you get into your pregnancy. But it's usually only by ounces, not a pound or more.
Normally, the risk factors that cause doctors to caution pregnant women against having sex include the following: a history or threat of miscarriage, a history of pre-term labor (if you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions), vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping, leakage of amniotic fluid, placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is situated down so low that it covers the cervix, incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates much too early, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery, or multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc,..) It really is a question for your doctor as to whether he has assessed your particular condition to be enough to put you at high risk for pre-mature delivery. I do not know enough about your medical history to give you an answer I'd feel comfortable with. If it is something you have reservations about, then I'd hold off until talking to your doctor. The early dilation and effacement MAY be putting you at risk for a premature delivery, depending upon your gravida (pregnancy number) status.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you and your loved ones a happy Christmas season.
Brenda
