What is the normal value of amniotic fluid index?

A woman's body will undergo great changes after pregnancy. Among them, amniotic fluid will appear in her belly. Amniotic fluid is also a nutrient element to maintain the normal growth and development of the fetus. It is directly related to the healthy growth of the fetus. Once there is too much or too little amniotic fluid, it will cause certain dangers to the fetus. Generally, doctors will check the amniotic fluid index when pregnant women do prenatal examinations. Let's take a look at the normal value of the amniotic fluid index.

Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy process, it is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining fetal life. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. During the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo; afterwards, as the embryo's organs begin to mature and develop, other sources of amniotic fluid, such as the fetal urine, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, umbilical cord, placental surface, etc., also become sources of amniotic fluid.

What is the normal value of amniotic fluid index?

The amniotic fluid depth refers to the vertical depth of the largest amniotic fluid pool indicated by B-ultrasound examination. Less than 2 cm indicates too little amniotic fluid, and greater than 8 cm indicates too much amniotic fluid. Ultrasound examination shows the vertical depth of the largest amniotic fluid pool. A depth of 3-8cm is considered normal. A value less than 3 cm indicates oligohydramnios, while a value greater than 8 cm indicates polyhydramnios.

The amniotic fluid index divides the uterus into four quadrants: upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right. The sum of the maximum vertical depths of the dark areas of amniotic fluid in the four quadrants is the AFI. If the AFI is greater than 24cm, it is diagnosed as polyhydramnios. If the AFL is between 18-24cm, it is suspected polyhydramnios or too much amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid measurement: Measurement of amniotic fluid volume is an important indicator for assessing whether pregnancy is normal. But because of the layer of belly, it is really difficult for us to correctly assess the amount of amniotic fluid.

Most hospitals use ultrasound to understand the amount of amniotic fluid and adopt 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. A total value between 8 and 24 cm is considered normal. A value less than 8 indicates oligohydramnios, and a value greater than 24 indicates polyhydramnios.

The above is an introduction to the normal value of the amniotic fluid index. I hope that after understanding it, it will be of some help to many female friends. In fact, mastering more such common sense can reduce a lot of worries throughout the pregnancy. In addition, female friends must maintain a happy mood during pregnancy, and do regular prenatal examinations. If you find abnormal fetal movement, you must consult a doctor in time.