fluid around fetus heart

I am 17 weeks along with my first pregnancy, and I just got back from an ultrasound appointment. The doctor told me she saw a little bit of fluid around the baby's heart and sent me for a prenatal echocardiogram. After about an hour of taking pictures and examining the baby's heart, the doctor said that the heart's structure and function look normal. She's not sure why there's the little bit of extra fluid (no extra fluid was found anywhere else). I was told to come back in a week to see if the fluid has increased, decreased or stayed the same. All-in-all this particular appointment was inconclusive.

Has this happened to anyone else? Does anyone have any thoughts on what might be going on? (My blood is O+, so I think Rh Disease should be able to be ruled out). I would love to hear from anyone who has knowledge in this area. I'm pretty nervous.

[peekawho]

This can happen, and I certainly understand your anxiety.  

You were properly instructed to come back in a week or two, to see what happens with the fluid.  Most often, it resolves by itself and no furthur concern or action is needed.

Occasionally, the fluid will increase.  If so, your doctor will delve more deeply at looking for a cause.  

Good luck, let  us know what they find out next week, ok?

[aj89]

Thank you for your encouraging words. I will let you know what I learn at my next appointment.