It is important for pregnant women to be aware of the symptoms of low amniotic fluid and to seek medical help if they experience any of them. Prompt treatment can cut many of the risks associated with low amniotic fluid.
What is Amniotic Fluid?
Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds and protects your growing baby. Your body produces it and helps cushion your baby from bumps and jolts during pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid can be tested for certain chemicals and infections. It can help doctors detect problems early in pregnancy. These tests are often done during routine prenatal care visits. But some women may need more testing if they have specific risk factors or symptoms of low amniotic fluid levels.
Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy can cause severe problems for the mother and the developing baby. There are several symptoms of low amniotic fluid. These include frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, premature labour, and reduced fetal movement.
Symptoms of Low Amniotic Fluid in Pregnancy
Low amniotic fluid can lead to placental abruption, umbilical cord and compression. And even stillbirth if left untreated. So what are these symptoms:
Pregnant woman | Image source: iStock
Contractions are one of the most common symptoms of low amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
They can range from mild to severe, but they usually indicate that your baby is moving and kicking.
The contractions you feel might depend on how much amniotic fluid is around your baby. The baby can move around more if you have a lot of amniotic fluid. So, if you’re feeling contractions, it might be a good idea to go to the doctor or midwife to ensure everything is okay.
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Extra Stress on Your Body
Extra stress on the mother’s body is another symptom of low amniotic fluid. The reduced amount of fluid means that the baby is no longer cushioned and supported. This puts strain on the mother’s muscles and joints. It can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as fatigue.
Keep track of the colour and frequency of your urine. If it’s brown or dark yellow and you’re producing more than 4 to 5 ounces per day. Or more than 2 ounces per hour, which could be a sign that there isn’t enough amniotic fluid in your uterus. It can be dangerous for both mother and child, so make sure to contact your doctor if you notice signs like this.
Leaking fluid is also called perineal or vaginal leakage. You might notice this as a small wet spot on your underwear or a larger puddle. You might also feel like you’re constantly wetting yourself. Even though there’s nothing in your pants.
Your body is working hard to grow a baby, so your kidneys are working overtime. They filter out the waste products that come from your growing body. Pregnant women urinate more than their non-pregnant counterparts.
So when you find yourself urinating less than usual, it might be a sign of low amniotic fluid.
The kidneys are responsible for regulating blood volume. They also remove wastes from the body. They can’t do this if there isn’t enough amniotic fluid around them to keep them healthy and safe.
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Decreased Foetal Movement
Babies who don’t move around enough may be experiencing discomfort. It’s due to low fluid levels. It may cause them not to move as much or at all as they usually would during pregnancy.
To help your baby feel more comfortable, try these tips:
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- Encourage movement by placing a pillow under your stomach and shifting it from side to side.
- If you’re on bed rest, try lying in different positions for a few minutes at a time. It will help increase the blood flow to the fetus and encourage movement.
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Swelling
Swelling is one of the most common symptoms of low amniotic fluid during pregnancy. If you notice swelling in your hands, feet or face, it may show that you have too little amniotic fluid to support your developing baby.
Low amniotic fluid can cause your baby to become stressed. Resulting in a lack of appetite and difficulty breathing. If your baby isn’t getting the nutrients it needs from you, it may start to feed less, which can make you feel unwell.
Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy can cause premature labour. Because there isn’t enough fluid around the baby. It’s supposed to cushion against shock or injury during contractions.
Pregnant woman with leg cramps
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you may feel a sharp pain in your calf or thigh that lasts for a few seconds. It is a charley horse or a muscle cramp.
The cause of these leg cramps is not known, but they seem to be related to low amniotic fluid levels.
The amount of vaginal discharge during pregnancy varies greatly from person to person and can be normal even if it’s different from what you’re used to. But, if you notice excessive vaginal discharge, it may be a sign of low amniotic fluid. It can be a severe condition that needs to be treated immediately.
Constipation, or irregular bowel movements, can be a symptom of low amniotic fluid in the second trimester. The baby’s head has grown and is pressing down on your intestines, making it more difficult for you to have a bowel movement.
Elevated blood pressure is a symptom of low amniotic fluid. You need to be aware of this because it can contribute to the premature birth of your baby.
If you have elevated blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor or midwife about how to control it. Your doctor may suggest medication to lower your blood pressure. But they may also suggest dietary changes and other lifestyle modifications.
If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, it is very important to take steps to control it.
Risks of Low Amniotic Fluid Level
Pregnant woman monitored
When your amniotic fluid level dips, it can cause many uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention.
- Pelvic pressure or abdominal pain (sometimes sharp)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
- Decreased urination frequency
- Frequent vaginal discharge that is not normal for you
READ MORE:
Polyhydramnios In Pregnancy: When There Is Too Much Amniotic Fluid
Placental Abruption: Causes, Symptoms and Its Effect On Your Baby If Untreated
Everything Pregnant Mums Need to Know About Amniotic Band Syndrome
How to Increase Amniotic Fluid
You’re in the third trimester of your pregnancy, and you’ve been experiencing some symptoms that make you worry about your baby’s health.
You might be wondering about the best home remedies for increasing amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid is important for your baby’s development and can cause complications during labour if it’s low. The good news is that there are many ways to increase amniotic fluid naturally at home.
Here are our top 10 favourite ways to increase amniotic fluid:
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as bell peppers, oranges, strawberries and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
- Consume plenty of fluids, including water or herbal tea (chamomile is especially good).
- Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation. Which may help your body produce more amniotic fluid.
- Massage your abdomen in circular motions daily. This will help stimulate contractions and increase the flow of amniotic fluid. It prepares the uterus for labour once it begins!
- Get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations. Stress can cause changes in hormone levels. This could affect the production levels of amniotic
Is Normal Delivery Possible With Low Amniotic Fluid?
Normal delivery is possible with low amniotic fluid. The fluid helps the baby to move around in the womb and grow. It is also important for keeping the baby warm and preventing infections.
If you have low amniotic fluid, it will be monitored during your pregnancy. Treatments are available for women with low amniotic fluid. It can help increase it so that normal delivery is still possible.
The amount of amniotic fluid you have during pregnancy can affect your baby’s birth. The baby may need to be born if there is not enough amniotic fluid. It could be by inducing labour or having a C-section.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
