Normal range of amniotic fluid depth

For pregnant women, various changes in the body during the ten months of pregnancy need to be taken seriously and paid attention to. In addition, with the development of medicine and the popularization of prenatal examinations, for every examination, mainly B-ultrasound examination, we need to pay attention to the data and conclusion information in it and consult a doctor at any time. This includes an important indicator, the depth of amniotic fluid, which we will explain below.

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.

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.

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. In addition, regarding the amount of amniotic fluid, the "amniotic fluid index method" is generally used to determine whether the amount of amniotic fluid is normal. 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.

Therefore, through the above introduction about amniotic fluid, we hope that expectant mothers and fathers still need to have more knowledge and understanding in this area, attach importance to every prenatal check-up, pay attention to the data on the depth of amniotic fluid above, and see if it is within the normal range. Once abnormal data appears, you need to immediately consult a professional doctor and take timely remedial measures.