What to expect from induction of labour for oligohydramnios

Oligohydramnios means there is less amniotic fluid than expected. An ultrasound assessment, pregnancy stage, fetal growth, blood flow and your baby’s movements help the team decide whether birth should be brought forward. The cause may be unclear, or fluid may be lower after the waters have leaked, so your clinician will explain what the assessment shows.

The team checks your cervix before choosing a method. A prostaglandin pessary or tablet, or a balloon catheter, may help it soften and open. If it is ready, the waters may be broken and oxytocin given through a drip. Low fluid can make the fetal heart rate more sensitive to contractions, so continuous monitoring may be recommended.

Pack your maternity notes and tell the team about medicines, allergies and any previous birth or uterine surgery. Ask how the unit will confirm whether your waters have broken and whether you can move around during monitoring. Keep track of your baby’s usual movements while awaiting admission. Pain relief can be discussed before contractions become strong, including medication, breathing techniques or an epidural.

Contact your maternity unit immediately for reduced or changed movements, suspected leaking fluid, vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, fever, severe abdominal pain or feeling unwell. Use emergency services for heavy bleeding, collapse, severe breathing difficulty or a seizure. A continuous trickle of clear fluid still needs assessment, even without contractions.

Ask what caused concern about fluid, how the ultrasound and fetal monitoring affect timing, which induction method is suitable and what happens if the cervix does not respond. Ask whether you can use a birth pool or particular positions and how monitoring may affect those choices.