Put on bed rest at 37w 4d for low amniotic fluid...Why not induce??

Hello everyone, I'm 37 wks 4 days pregnant with a boy (First Pregancy). I had an ultrasound ten days ago (at 36 wks) to check fluid levels because the baby slowed down with his movements. The ultrasound showed his amniotic fluid levels at 9.5, I guess a 10.0 is completely normal. I had another ultrasound at 37wks 2days, and it showed the amniotic fluid at a 6.0! This was on a Friday and my normal OB hasn't gotten to see this report, or know about these numbers. The OB thats on call told me to go on bed rest until my next appointment with my regular OB this coming Wed ( I'll be 38 wks 1day then) I don't understand why they aren't just inducing me? I'm full term and the ultrasound showed that he was 6.5-7.5 lbs. And if the fluid level was a 5.0 instead of a 6.0 she said she would want me induced. I don't know.. it just doesn't make sence to me, I went from a 9.5 to a 6.0 in 8 days! Has anyone incountered this? Any help, opinons are welcome! Thank you everyone! -Tara

[JoyRenee]

They'll most likely induce you at your next appointment, especially if the levels have gone down yet again. Is your baby still moving?

[sweetangel7]

I believe that the school of thought on this is that the longer baby is in there, the better...I agree with Joy though, if your levels continue to drop, they'll probably induce you then.  Good luck!

[kikicoates78]

I would say it's because it was an on-call Dr. But on the other side, induction labors are harder on first time mommies, so he is probly thinking you will go on your own very soon. Good luck to you!

[Tarakauhn]

Thank you guys! It's encouraging to think that I only will have a few more days at the most. He is still moving... just much less then he used to. He used to tear me up all day! I'd be sore from all the movement.. now he's a little less active.. but active. I get at least 10 kick counts in 30 minutes usually still. I'm just worried that if I lost that amount of fluid in 8 days.. what will I be at in 5 more days! I think I'm gonna call theOB on Monday and try to talk to my regular guy. I like him a lot better then the OB thats on call.

[JoyRenee]

That's a great idea actually. This should be taken very seriously. Please keep us updated on what happens!

[loveloveloveme]

most of the time doctors try to keep the baby in as long as possible if they think thats whats best but the only time they induce is if the baby or you are in danger if not it is best for baby to stay in i just had my baby girl at 37 weeks 1 day and she was fine but every one is different she was trying to come at 32 weeks but they stopped my labor so just be patient and know that the longer baby stays in the healthier for you and baby congrats and good luck

[Tarakauhn]

I will for sure keep you guys updated on this one... it's kindof a weird case to me. I called this morning to see if I could talk to MY OB, the nurse hasn't called back yet. I had DH put all of the hospital bags, and car seat in the truck just in case we we're gonna have good new today! *wishfull thinking!* :-) I'll be 38 weeks tomorrow. Thats plenty of time to mature.

[bryanarae]

It would make sense to the average pregnant woman to just be induced. You would think it would make sense, right? I would think so too. Especially with how quickly your levels dropped. But when you think of it from a doctors point of view, inductions are not an easy process, especially for first time pregnancies. Not to mention every day that baby is in there the bigger and healthier s/he will be. However, I am sure they will plan an induction very soon. They might also be waiting to see if your levels begin to rise again. But I wish you all the best!

[pinkbelle]

they induced me at 37 weeks 3 days due to pre eclampsyia and my daughter is fine : ) i think it was honestly b/.c he was the on call doc.. i would talk to your regular ob.

[Tarakauhn]

Yeah, I've been totally ignored by this on-call Ob. I'm thinking of going to a hospital 30 minutes away just so I won't have to have this OB deliver me. I want a Dr. that is proactive... not reactive. Especially with my child.

[Tarakauhn]

OK... so I had another ultrasound yesterday, and we discovered that my fluid wasn't truely down... the Ultrasound tech had missed a pocket of fluid on the last test. SO.. Everything is going just fine.. the OB wants me to start going in 2 times a week now though.

[Lance06]

Glad to hear that things are going okay!!