Baby with no amniotic fluid. Problems all over the place?

Question

My neice in law. Ultrasouns showed an issue with the baby's kidneys.Since then she has had test after test. No amnioctic fluid (or very little) they thought the baby was at 32 weeks but he is too small.he is at 30 weeks. waiting 4 more with complete bedrest and maybe induce then. 2 bladder taps turned out fine. third on one tuesday. The mom is on total bedrest due to the tear (they are guessing) in the sac. So many doctors so little bedside manner! They toss around terms like fetal death so casually and it just destroys the parents and the whole family. Theyve been to GBMC Univerity hosp (Baltimore) and CHOP right now they are settling at Johns Hopkins and seems to be ok. Im not sure what I am asking just blowing off a little steam its so frustrating. Potter Syndrome? Is he a dwarf? They say yes they say no. So heart wrenching
Please pray for them

Docotors ans specalists are the smartest of the smart but they spend their lives with their heads in books and not dealing with people. It makes them very insensetive :(

Answer 1

Problems with the fetal kidneys will often result in decreased levels of amniotic fluid, because most of that fluid comes from fetal urine. As for the size of the baby, that might reflect some degree of IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction...also common when there are problems with the kidneys.) Yet you say there have been 2 normal bladder taps...this suggests it's not completely hopeless, because there's got to be urine coming from somewhere if bladder taps are fine. Perhaps that's why they think there's a tear in the sac, because that will cause low fluid levels, too. Potter syndrome is a condition that comes about in a fetus with limited amniotic fluid; it is characterized by particular facial deformities (epicanthal folds, a wide nasal bridge, low-set ears, and receding chin) and possibly limb contractures. (It does not cause dwarfism.)

Sometimes doctors are hasty to be overly pessimistic about a baby's prognosis...when they don't really know. Hopefully things will improve...keep us posted over here when you know what happens.

Answer 2

"So many doctors so little bedside manner! They toss around terms like fetal death so casually and it just destroys the parents and the whole family."

My mom is a nurse in labor and delivery and the NICU. Doctors and nurses do care but if they are all sad and crying for you nothing wold get done! they are sleep deprived and have to deal with life and death every single day!! My mom has to miss Christmas, New Years, The 4Th of July! All to help people like you!

But I know how heard it must be for you and my heart goes out to you.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

Johns Hopkins is a wonderful place and I'm sure they will do whatever can be done. This is a very serious condition and the outcome is uncertain. You have my prayers. I found this website about Potters Syndrome which was written from the perspective of parents who have been through this. There is a lot of information and advice that seems like it could be helpful, plus a way to connect with people who will understand what this family is going through. My prayers are with this family.

Answer 4

my heart goes out to them.... doctors sometimes can be so aloof and almost cruel in the way they conduct themselves with horrible bedside manners... I pray that everything will turn out fine, if she gets the bed rest they recommend perhaps things will be OK in the end ... miracles do happen every day ! lets pray the baby will be born healthy !

Answer 5

prayers go out, good luck to you and the rest of the family

Answer 6

My heart goes out to your family ..it is a scary thing when it come to babies

Answer 7

Send my love to this family at such a bad time please let us know what happens and i pray for you all to be safe and happy god bless

Answer 8

it's good to talk...I even had a cry jag going on this afternoon!

Answer 9

i will pray for them right now.
please let us know how it goes.

Answer 10

Okay.