LOW OR HIGH AMNIOTIC FLUID LEVELS IN PREGNANCY

amniotic fluid index (AFI)

"The amniotic fluid is part of the baby’s life support system. It protects your baby and aids in the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. Amniotic fluid is produced soon after the amniotic sac forms at about 12 days after conception. It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks fetal urine becomes the primary substance. As the baby grows he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic fluid. In the second trimester, the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid. In some cases the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too high it is called polyhydramnios."

A doctor will know your amniotic fluid levels by employing a few different techniques, but most commonly through amniotic fluid index (AFI). Some of the conditions that causes oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels) are birth defects, placental problems and leaking or ruptured membranes among others.

"The risks associated with oligohydramnios is dependent on the gestational age of the pregnancy.  The amniotic fluid is essential for the development of muscles, limbs, lungs, and the digestive system. In the second trimester, the baby begins to breathe and swallow the fluid to help their lungs grow and mature. The amniotic fluid also helps the baby develop muscles and limbs by providing plenty of room to move around. If oligohydramnios is detected in the first half of pregnancy, the complications can be more serious and include compression of fetal organs resulting in birth defects, increased chances of miscarriage or stillbirth, preterm birth among others."

Polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid levels) occurs in 1 in 100 pregnancies and is diagnosed through an ultrasound. Some of its causes include birth defects, fetal heart conditions, diabetes, blood incompatabilties  in the fetus and mother, among others.

Polyhydramnios could increase pregnancy complications such as, premature birth, placental abruption (breaks or tears on the sac that holds the amniotic fluid), among others.

For more information including treatment of these conditions, please visit the undermentioned  sources:-

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/lowamnioticfluidoligohydramnios.htm

http://www.marchofdimes.com/Pregnancy/complications_polyhydramnios.html

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