What Do Low Amniotic Fluid Levels During 32 Weeks Of Pregnancy Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 16 May 2017

Question: Hello doctor,

My wife is 32 weeks pregnant now. Last period date: 11-Sep-2016. We have gone through all scans scheduled till now, the last scan was Anomaly scan which the doctors have confirmed to be fine.

However, we had a growth scan done today, the reports show that Fetal Abdomen growth is that of 30 weeks but rest of the organs and growth are fine, Amniotic fluid is low too. Please find attached the reports for your consideration.

I am worried now about the health of both mother and baby. The doctor has told looking at the reports that there are chances of early delivery around 34 weeks odd. Follow-up scan on May 9th to check the fetal growth. Kindly advice your views on it, the do's and don't. Also, what care should we take about it.

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mild IUGR

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand the concerns.

I have reviewed the report.
It shows mild assymetric intrauterine growth restriction.
Amniotic fluid is only slightly decreased.
These two findings are generally due to either decreased protein intake by the mother or due to the decreased blood supply to the fetus.

Since the umbilical artery doppler is normal, chances of decreased blood supply is less.
Your wife should take high protein diet consisting of milk and milk products, sprouts, grams, pulses, peanuts, eggs and meat (if non vegetarian). She should take at least 3-4 litres of fluids in a day and take adequate rest, which includes 8 hours in night and 2 hours in the day.
All these interventions will help increase the weight of the fetus and increase the amniotic fluid.
Follow up ultrasound for fetal parameters, growth and biophysical profile should be done at 2 weekly intervals, and Doppler should also be done 2 weekly.
If anything is deranged in either of these, then early delivery may be required.
Otherwise there is absolutely no need of delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (24 hours later)

Hello Doctor,

Thank you very much for the information, it was very helpful!

We are vegetarians, my wife is taking the following daily now since yesterday with respect to your suggestion:
1. 6 soaked almonds
2. A cup of Dal
3. Egg white 2 nos a day
4. Peanuts
5. 1/2 cup of sprouts
6. Paneer (from tomorrow)
7. 300 ml milk
8. 1 cup of yogurt

Is this good enough or do you suggest anything else?

We are very worried about this doctor, the Gynaec we used to visit did not tell these things in detail. Please let us know whether these steps will help both the mother and the baby or if there is anything else which needs to be done.

Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No other intervention required

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
She should include 2 cups of dal daily. At least one liter of milk should be consumed daily, either as milk or as curd,chena, buttermilk, paneer etc.
These interventions definitely improve the fetal growth and liqor.
At present, no other intervention is required.
You can get back to me anytime for further queries by asking a direct question to me on the health care magic portal.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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