What is the amniotic fluid index at 22 weeks of pregnancy?

A woman's belly will grow bigger day by day in the second half of pregnancy. During this period, the fetus will also have certain obvious fetal movements, and there is a certain regularity. However, what worries the mother most during this period is that the fetus will encounter some special situations in the belly. Once the amniotic fluid is abnormal, it will seriously affect the growth and development of the fetus, and there may even be some dangers. Therefore, many expectant mothers are more concerned about the amniotic fluid. Let's take a look at the amniotic fluid index at 22 weeks of pregnancy.

What is the amniotic fluid index at 22 weeks of pregnancy?

Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): The uterus is divided into four quadrants at right angles using the umbilical horizontal line and the linea alba as markers. The vertical diameter of the largest amniotic fluid pool in each quadrant is measured, and the sum of the four is the amniotic fluid index.

Note when measuring AFI: If the amniotic fluid pool is on both sides of the landmark line, only measure the diameter on one side. The normal range of fetal amniotic fluid is: 5～18cm

Amniotic fluid is one of the elements that maintain the survival of the fetus. Before the embryo begins to form, amniotic fluid must first be present to support the thick uterine wall and provide the fetus with the free space it needs for growth and development. Its functions also include: acting as a buffer when the uterus is subjected to external impact, maintaining a stable temperature, analyzing components to understand the health and maturity of the fetus, etc., and during labor pains, the pressure transmitted by the water bag can also help dilate the cervix.

The amount of amniotic fluid varies from person to person, and usually increases gradually with the number of weeks of pregnancy, reaching 50cc at 12 weeks, about 300 to 400cc in the second half of pregnancy, and reaching a maximum of about 1000cc at 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, and then decreases significantly after the due date. In the early stages of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid is mainly secreted by the amniotic membrane covering the placenta and umbilical cord. After four months, the fetus's swallowing of amniotic fluid and urination can regulate the amount and composition of the amniotic fluid, and the flow of amniotic fluid in and out of the respiratory system will also be affected.

The above is an introduction to the amniotic fluid index at 22 weeks of pregnancy. I hope it will be helpful to many pregnant mothers after understanding it. Some concerns must be dispelled. In fact, it is more important to have a good mentality throughout the pregnancy. In addition, if there are any abnormalities in the body during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor in time and do regular prenatal examinations.