Diagnosed With Severely Low Amniotic Fluid Levels. On Medication. Will Amniotic Fluid Replenish?

Posted on Sun, 29 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 Answered on

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I was detected with severely low amniotic fluid lvls at 17 weeks..m prescribed various medicines n liquids n bed rest..is there a hope for amniotic fluid to replenish? Also I hve never leaked..can amniotic fluid dry up on its own??

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
oligo hydraminos

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query.

Low amniotic fluid is called oligohydraminos. Any AFI less than 5 is deemed as severe oligihydraminos. This may cause fetal problems. It doesn't 'dry up' on its own, instead less amount of production can cause the condition. Normally the fetal excretion system should be checked via ultrasound.

It sometimes can be managed with medication and rest, but the later in the pregnancy, the better. In your case, at 17 weeks, you still have a long way to go. If the AFI doesn't increase then there may be growth retardation of the fetus. You have to be followed up studiously.

Drink plenty of fluids.
Get a congenital anomaly scan at 18-20 weeks to make sure the fetal kidneys are ok. Follow up regularly.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T