Fluid Check

My fun 4D sonogram last Friday detected a problem. I'm on the low side for amniotic fluid volume. I had never even heard of such a thing.

Amniotic fluid is important. Its what the baby "breathes". It allows them to move around. Not enough of it can endanger them in all sorts of ways---from lack of growth, to low muscle tone and skeletal development, to really scary things like cord compression.

Panic level for amniotic fluid index (AFI) is 5. I was at 7 last Friday. I could tell something was wrong because of the way the sonographer kept taking clinical pics---not just fun ones. Lo and behold, the doctor called on Monday and broke the news.

So, the course of action has been for me to "lay low" for a few days and drink plenty of water--even though they're not really sure that makes a difference. I've been compliant and worked from home since Tuesday and consumed enough water to drown a village. I get a repeat sono this morning and we'll see where we are. I don't know much beyond that.

I do know that he's really busy in there. His movement doesn't seem restricted to me. And if you could see my abdomen, you'd never suspect there was a "low" anything going on. It is massive.

UPDATE 3/19: Went for repeat sono and fluid was up to 9.7. Great news. But the doctor warned me that I'd need to take it easy. So, from now on, I'm only working at the office two days a week. She nicely reminded me of my "advanced maternal age". I'll be good because, first of all, I want to keep this baby cooking for the appropriate amount of time. And second of all, I don't want him to come early and screw up our summer vacation plans!!