Amniotic fluid index is a way of measuring the amount of
liquid that is around a baby (fetus) in the uterus during pregnancy. It is
usually done as part of the biophysical profile (BPP), which is a series of
tests that measure the health of the baby during pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from
temperature extremes and from being bumped or hurt as the mother moves around.
It also allows the fetus to move around in the uterus and is important for lung
and limb development. A problem with the amount of amniotic fluid could point
to a problem with the growing fetus. Too much or too little fluid could also
cause problems during labor and delivery.
Doctors use ultrasound to calculate the amniotic fluid index. The doctor
looks at the amount of amniotic fluid in four different areas of the uterus.
The four areas are called quadrants. The doctor measures how much fluid is in
each quadrant. Then he or she adds up the numbers to get an idea of the total
amount of fluid that surrounds the baby.
June 18, 2012
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
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