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Assessment of amniotic fluid volume. Amniotic fluid supports a developing fetus in the womb during pregnancy. Sometimes, levels of this fluid are too low, but a person can increase these by taking certain steps. The right levels of amniotic fluid are essential as the fluid helps to protect a fetus, as well as to regulate the surrounding temperature. Amniotic fluid also helps prevent any squeezing of the umbilical cord, which might otherwise cut off food and oxygen to the fetus.
We look at how to increase amniotic fluid during pregnancy, as well as the risks of very high or low levels. During weeks 32—34, the amniotic fluid volume may increase to milliliters ml or more.
From 34 weeks through to labor, the fluid decreases to about ml. Doctors use a scale called the amniotic fluid index AFI to check healthy levels of amniotic fluid.
AFI measurements are in centimeters cm. A typical AFI score is 5—25 cm. An AFI score lower than 5 cm is too low, and doctors refer to this as oligohydramnios. If a pregnant woman has low levels of amniotic fluid, they can work with their healthcare team to remedy the situation. In some cases, drinking more water may help to increase levels.
In other instances, a doctor may recommend medical treatments. A doctor will also suggest more frequent checkups to carefully monitor amniotic fluid levels and ensure treatment is effective. If women have slightly lower than usual levels of amniotic fluid, they may be able to increase their levels by drinking more water.
An older review looked at four studies of pregnant women. It found that women who increased their water intake, by roughly 2 liters over 2 hours, or had intravenous fluid, increased their levels of amniotic fluid. Researchers need further evidence to know if increasing amniotic fluid in this way improves the health of the fetus. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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Top of the page. Topic Overview What is low amniotic fluid? What causes low amniotic fluid? At 20 weeks pregnant, women have about millilitres of fluid. The volume doubles to millilitres at 28 weeks gestation , and remains at that level until 37 weeks , when it starts to go down. The most common explanation for low fluid is a leak in the amniotic sac. The mother may also be dehydrated or there may be a problem with the placenta.
Sometimes the baby has kidney problems or a urinary track blockage, or excess fluid can build up when the baby has trouble swallowing due to a birth defect.
Diabetes in the baby or mother can also lead to polyhydramnios. Often, there is no known cause, as was the case with Feeney.
Feeney had a scheduled C-section at 38 weeks and baby Sloane was born healthy and without complications. But the worse it gets, the more likely there is truly something wrong that needs to be managed by a health care professional. Usually, women with high or low fluid will be closely monitored.
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