38 weeks- low amniotic fluid

HI

Am nearly 38 weeks pg and yesterday ended up being referred to hosital by my mw as she was concerned I might be leaking amniotic fluid. After being hooked up to a monitor (which showed I was contracting regularly and baby was bouncing around happily), a scan revealed my fluid was a bit low. An internal exam showed my front membranes intact. A second scan showed the amniotic fluid right on the low border end of normal.

I have to have another scan tomorrow and see if the fluid leve has adjusted as Dr's still can't establish whether I'm leaking it or not. I've been readnig a bit about this and it doesn't sound like a good idea to keep baby in there if fluid level is this low (it's RIGHT on the boderline).

Has anyone else been through this and what happened? Will they induce me? MW said to monitor 'leakage' today and call if I thought it had increased or was worried...I"m definately very achey in my lower tummy and getting regular BH contractions, although there doesn't seem to be a pattern to them.

Do you think labour will start anytime soon or can this go on forever and will they let it if fluid levels are low?

TIA

Rowan was delivered early due to low fluid. Hers was due to blood flow through the placenta which was resulting in IUGR - so no leakage.

She was 37.5 weeks when she was born and it's definitely close enough to full term for all intents and purposes so if you have to be induced they will do it.

They won't leave baby there if the fluid is too low but they may choose to monitor you very closely if it's borderline.

If they were concerned about it and it was serious she would have been out today. You just have to trust that they know what they are doing - they could also change their minds and ring you earlier for another scan.

Just something else to be aware of. If the fluid is really low they will often do a c section rather than an induction due to the fact that there is not enough fluid to lubricate the birth canal so can make the birth slightly more painful. Not trying to scare you but just making you aware that c section may be the only option you have.

A good friend of mine had low amniotic fluid and teh decision was made to c section for the above reason but that was about 3-4 years ago now so may have changed and as I haven't experienced it myself I could have my info completely wrong!!