Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is a quantitative estimate of amniotic fluid [1] and an indicator of fetal well-being. It is a separate measurement from the biophysical profile. [1] AFI is the score (expressed in centimetres) given to the amount of amniotic fluid seen on ultrasonography of a pregnant uterus.
Amniotic fluid is removed from the mother by an amniocentesis procedure, where a long needle is inserted through the abdomen into the amniotic sac, using ultrasound guidance such that the fetus is not harmed. Amniocentesis is a low risk procedure, with risk of pregnancy loss between 1 in 1,500 – 1 in 700 procedures.
An ultrasound showing an embryo measured to have a crown-rump length of 1.67 cm and estimated to have a gestational age of 8 weeks and 1 day. Crown-rump length (CRL) is the measurement of the length of human embryos and fetuses from the top of the head (crown) to the bottom of the buttocks (rump).
For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
The volume of amniotic fluid typically increases until 36 weeks and starts decreasing after 40 weeks in post-term gestations. [4] For this reason, discrepancies between fundal height measurements and gestational age can be a clinical indication of amniotic fluid abnormality and should be evaluated by ultrasound.
The lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio is a marker of fetal lung maturity. The outward flow of pulmonary secretions from the fetal lungs into the amniotic fluid maintains the level of lecithin and sphingomyelin equally until 32–33 weeks gestation, when the lecithin concentration begins to increase significantly while sphingomyelin remains nearly the same.
It is characterized by changes in fetal movement, growth, heart rate, and presence of meconium stained fluid. [4] Risk factors for fetal distress/non-reassuring fetal status include anemia, restriction of fetal growth, maternal hypertension or cardiovascular disease, low amniotic fluid or meconium in the amniotic fluid, or a post-term pregnancy.
Polyhydramnios is a medical condition describing an excess of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac.It is seen in about 1% of pregnancies. [1] [2] [3] It is typically diagnosed when the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 24 cm. [4] [5] There are two clinical varieties of polyhydramnios: chronic polyhydramnios where excess amniotic fluid accumulates gradually, and acute polyhydramnios ...