Low Amniotic Fluid Ultrasound

During the scan, the sonographer measures pockets of fluid and reviews the baby’s size, position, movement and sometimes blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord. The result is interpreted alongside your stage of pregnancy and examination findings. One measurement may lead to repeat monitoring rather than an immediate diagnosis or delivery decision.

Attend the scan and bring details of any leaking fluid, bleeding, contractions or change in fetal movement. Your clinician may arrange repeat ultrasound, fetal heart monitoring, blood pressure checks or urine testing. Ask how often monitoring is needed and what findings would change the plan. Treatment focuses on the cause and the baby’s wellbeing; do not try to change fluid levels with medicines or extra fluids unless your maternity team advises it.

Contact maternity care urgently for reduced or changed fetal movement, a gush or trickle of fluid, bleeding, painful regular contractions, fever, severe abdominal pain or feeling faint or unwell. These symptoms need assessment even if a previous ultrasound was reassuring.

Ask which fluid measurement was used, whether fetal growth and blood flow look reassuring, whether the membranes appear intact, and when the next assessment should happen. Clarify who to call outside clinic hours and how birth planning depends on the results.