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Expert Q&A
Question:
I have a dear friend in the 16th week of pregnancy. Three days ago she had an amniocentesis test. She had quite a bit of leakage and now has been told the level has dropped, something about the baby not producing enough amniotic fluid. Why would the baby stop producing the amniotic fluid, and what are her chances of continuing the pregnancy? She is still in the hospital and very shaken up by all of this.
Answer:
The amniocentesis procedure is associated with a rate of fetal loss from causing a miscarriage of about one in every 200 procedures performed. In earlier gestations when the amniotic sac leaks, it is not uncommon for it to reseal itself. As long as the baby's urine production, which is responsible for much of the amniotic fluid, exceeds the amount leaking out, a positive balance should be maintained.

Right now it is most important for her to be on bed rest to aid in allowing the membranes to reseal and to prevent continued leakage. It is important to be in the hospital to be monitored for infection. If infection occurs in the fluid around the baby then the chance for a good outcome is significantly reduced.

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