Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is low amniotic fluid?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Hong Lien - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Doctor Lien has over 10 years of experience as a radiologist in the Department of Ultrasound at the leading hospital in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in the South - Tu Du Hospital.
Amniotic fluid deficiency is an abnormal condition of the amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman, which can be dangerous to the fetus. The amount of amniotic fluid in the womb is determined based on the AFI index. So how much amniotic fluid index AFI is amniotic deficiency?

1. What is the AFI Index? How much AFI indicates lack of amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid index, also known as AFI index, is a parameter that indicates the amount of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman's abdomen, in order to be able to assess whether the amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman is deficient, excess or is normal.
This parameter is measured by: Taking the navel as a landmark, dividing the abdomen into 4 parts by 2 vertical and horizontal lines, in each part, select the deepest amniotic sac to measure the length. Adding the 4 measured lengths will give the amniotic fluid index in centimeters.
The ultrasound to determine the amniotic fluid index must be measured and evaluated at least 2 times, measuring continuously from 2 to 6 hours apart to determine the status of oligohydramnios or excess amniotic fluid. Based on the following table to assess whether the amniotic fluid index is normal or abnormal (including amniotic fluid deficiency or amniotic fluid excess).

Based on the table above, pregnant women can self-assess whether their amniotic fluid status is normal, polyhydramnios or lack of amniotic fluid.

2. Causes of lack of amniotic fluid

When the amniotic fluid volume is less than 200ml or the AFI index is less than 5, it is called oligohydramnios. Amniotic fluid deficiency is common in fetuses with abnormal signs in the urinary system, digestive system such as esophageal stricture, posterior urethral valve in male babies, renal aplasia, no stomach, ....
Besides In addition, oligohydramnios is also seen in maternal malnutrition, fetal malnutrition, premature rupture of membranes, premature rupture of membranes, pregnancy beyond the due date, ....

Abnormal amniotic fluid conditions can seriously affect the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women need to detect these phenomena in time so that they can find ways to overcome them.
The parameters through the periodical antenatal check-up to check the health of the pregnancy can give the mother some information about the amniotic fluid. Specifically, the uterine height is often smaller than the gestational age, the measurement is often low and tends to go down compared to the standard curve.
The device will measure and determine the amniotic index (AFI) of the pregnant woman, which helps to determine the status of the amniotic fluid of the pregnant mother: A normal measurement for the third stage of pregnancy will have an AFI index located between 5-25 CMV and AFI < 5cm is considered low.
In addition, through fetal ultrasound, the doctor can also detect the lack of amniotic fluid early if the mother is leaking amniotic fluid, the weight index of the pregnant mother will be lower than that of the pregnancy period or the pregnant mother. I don't feel the baby kicking much.
Pregnant mothers need to pay attention to regular check-ups and periodic pregnancy checks to be able to grasp the health of themselves and the fetus. If there are any warning signs of low amniotic fluid, immediately go to medical facilities for timely examination and treatment.

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