What is the normal range of amniotic fluid index at 24 weeks of pregnancy?

During pregnancy, women should measure the baby's development based on various data at different stages to check for abnormalities. The amniotic fluid index is a very important indicator. At 24 weeks of pregnancy, many pregnant women are very concerned about the normal amniotic fluid index during this period. So, what is the normal range of amniotic fluid index at 24 weeks of pregnancy? Let’s take a look below.

The normal range of the amniotic fluid index is generally 8-18cm. If it is lower than 8cm, it is considered to be a decrease in amniotic fluid. If it exceeds 18cm, it means there is too much amniotic fluid.

The amniotic fluid index (AFI) divides the uterus 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. When measuring AFI, please note: if the amniotic fluid pool is on both sides of the marking line, only measure the diameter on one side (the normal value range is: 5-18cm).

The amniotic fluid index is an important value for doctors to determine whether the amount of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman's body is normal. The amniotic fluid index can be measured through B-ultrasound. The specific measurement method is to divide the uterus into four quadrants: upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right, measure the maximum depth of the amniotic fluid in each quadrant respectively, and then add up the total. For example, the maximum depths of amniotic fluid in the four quadrants of a pregnant mother's uterus are 3cm, 1cm, 4cm, and 1cm respectively, then her amniotic fluid index is 9cm. The amniotic fluid index is normal within the range of 8cm to 24cm. Less than 8cm indicates oligohydramnios, and greater than 24cm indicates polyhydramnios. Generally speaking, the amniotic fluid index varies from person to person. It usually increases gradually with the increase of gestational weeks, reaches its maximum value at 36 to 38 weeks of gestation, and decreases significantly after the due date.

How to calculate amniotic fluid index

We call the colorless, transparent fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from external impacts, participates in the fetal metabolism, protects the mother, and reduces discomfort caused by fetal movement. During a normal pregnancy, the amount of amniotic fluid gradually increases with the gestational age, generally reaching about 1000 ml at 38 weeks of pregnancy and about 800 ml at full term.

Amniotic fluid index: 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.

The normal value range is: 8 to 24 cm.

Too much or too little amniotic fluid is an abnormal condition and requires the attention of expectant mothers.

Normal range of amniotic fluid index

Most hospitals use ultrasound to understand the amount of amniotic fluid and the amniotic fluid index method to determine whether the amount of amniotic fluid is normal.

The method is: divide the uterus into four quadrants, measure the maximum depth of the amniotic fluid in each quadrant, and then add up the total.

The total value of the amniotic fluid index is normal when it is between 8 and 27 cm. A value less than 8 indicates oligohydramnios, and a value greater than 24 indicates polyhydramnios.