Everything You Need To Know About Amniotic Fluid Index During Pregnancy
A clear, yellow fluid that surrounds the growing fetus in the uterus is called an amniotic fluid. It is very essential for the developing fetus and has a key role in overall health of the fetus. But the pertinent question is how much of this fluid should be present inside. Because if it is too les or too more then problems can arise.
This fluid is made up of water produced inside the mother of the child. But as the time progresses, the water gets replaced by urine of the fetus.
Certain essential nutrients, hormones, antibodies are a part of the amniotic fluid that help in nourishing the fetus. Amniotic fluid is measured with the help of amniotic fluid index or AFI.
How is the amniotic fluid measured?
amniotic fluid index
An ultrasound by your doctor will help you tell if your amniotic fluid is low or high.
A method called maximum vertical pocket is used. In this procedure the assistant will find the deepest pocket filled with amniotic fluid. Two to eight centimeters is normal and below two centimetre is considered as low level.
Amniotic fluid index or AFI is also the most common way to gauge the level of amniotic fluid.
The AFI is calculated from a deep pocket at various sites on uterus. Sum it up and it will give you the total AFI.
5 to 25 cm is normal AFI. Low AFI is below 5 cm.
An ultrasound is done to check your baby’s health. Doctor checks the baby heartbeat and amniotic fluid levels.
How to interpret the results from AFI?
If amniotic fluid is low it might indicate your child is slow in growing. And if amniotic fluid levels are low at late stages of pregnancy then it could indicate that the placenta has failed.
If the amniotic fluid is high then could increase the chance of an early delivery or growth issues.
In this case you should go for ultrasounds. You can probably need medications or fluid drainage.
Biophysical profile is a similar test that can also be done.
How to increase the amniotic fluid levels?
all about amniotic fluid index
If you are facing low amniotic fluid issues, then listed below are simple steps that can be followed to increase amniotic fluid levels.
increase your fluid intake to raise amniotic fluid levels
Get an Amnioinfusion from your concerned doctor
In this procedure saline or salt and water solution is put through your cervix.
Fluid injection via amniocentesis
Fluid injected via the abdomen into the amniotic sac.
Amniotic fluid helps in maintaining the mobility and heart rate throughout the delivery.
your doctor might recommend IV fluids
if you are dehydrated you might be put on IV fluids to hydrate you and increase your amniotic fluid.
Get some treatment for pre-existing medical issues
You should take Bedrest
periodic monitoring
Get a healthy Diet
Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily meals.
Do some Natural remedies
Delivery
if there is less amniotic fluid then there can be several complications in delivery. Your baby might face stillbirth or cord compression.
Talk to your doctor
Amniotic fluid can be low specially during the end stages of your pregnancy. It can negatively impact your child. A warning sign could be less movement of the baby or leaky fluid from the vagina. It is advised to reach out to your concerned doctor in time and take appropriate measures.
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