Childbirth/Amniotic Sac

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/14/2008


Question
I am 6weeks and 6 days pregnant. I have had bleeding for
past 2/3 days and i have stomach pains. I have been scanned
and it shows that the baby is ok but the amniotic sac is
not as big as it should be. The amniotic sac is the size it
should be for 5 weeks. The doc wasnt able to tell me
anything about why this happens as shes seen this for the
first time. Can you tell me anything? what happens if sac
doesnt grow? And if the sac is small will the baby get less
amniotic fluid?
thanx

Answer
Saima,


This could mean that you ovulated later in your cycle than was previously thought, so the sac is smaller than average.  In some cases, it can be due to low hormone levels, such as progesterone.  


At this point, it's not clear what is going on.  If you ovulated late, then this could be normal, but if not, it could be a sign that the pregnancy isn't progressing as expected.  


If your hormone levels look good at this point, then only time will tell.  If your progesterone is low, then taking supplements can help sustain the pregnancy.


The size of the sac at this point isn't a predictor of how much amniotic fluid there is as the pregnancy progresses.  



Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.