What do the amniotic fluid dark area and amniotic fluid index mean?

Amniotic fluid is for the survival of the fetus, so the importance of amniotic fluid cannot be ignored. Generally speaking, amniotic fluid is formed when the embryo begins to form. Amniotic fluid plays an important role. It needs to provide space for the fetus to move and help the fetus be born during delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to check the amount of amniotic fluid on a regular basis. Regarding the knowledge about amniotic fluid, there are two terms called amniotic fluid dark area and amniotic fluid index. Let’s see what they mean?

1. What does the dark area of ​​amniotic fluid mean?

Amniotic fluid depth is a medical term and an important indicator for determining the amount of amniotic fluid. If there is more amniotic fluid, the fetus can grow healthily; if there is less amniotic fluid, it can cause meconium accumulation during the fetal delivery period, or even premature birth or suffocation.

The normal amniotic fluid depth (dvp) is 3-8cm. Before 28 weeks (7 months) of pregnancy, because there is more amniotic fluid and the fetus is smaller, the fetus has a larger range of movement in the uterine cavity and the fetal position is easy to change. After 32 weeks (8 months) of pregnancy, the fetus grows rapidly and the amniotic fluid decreases relatively.

The amniotic fluid during pregnancy is a dynamic process. Generally speaking, it shows an overall decreasing trend in the late pregnancy. The maximum dark area is between 3-8CM, which is normal. Less than 3 is critical oligohydramnios, and less than 2 is diagnosed as oligohydramnios.

So through understanding we know that the largest dark area of ​​amniotic fluid is between 3-8cm. If it is lower than 3cm, it is too little, and if it is higher than 8cm, it is too much. Too much or too little amniotic fluid can bring danger to pregnant women and fetuses. Therefore, in daily life, expectant mothers must have regular physical examinations, so that the doctor will find a solution for you as soon as possible. Also, as an expectant mother, pregnant women should not be too nervous, because nervousness may be transmitted to the fetus and is not conducive to the growth of the fetus. Finally, I wish all expectant mothers and fetuses good health.

2. What does amniotic fluid index mean?

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).

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.