Normal range of amniotic fluid index in late pregnancy
Disease description:
I am now in the late stage of pregnancy and still need to check whether the amniotic fluid index is normal. I would like to ask, what is the normal range of the amniotic fluid index in the late stage of pregnancy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
The normal range of amniotic fluid index (AFI) in the late stages of pregnancy is generally 8–20 cm, although some sources consider the normal range to be 5–25 cm. The amniotic fluid index is obtained through ultrasound examination by summing the depths of amniotic fluid in four quadrants of the pregnant woman's uterus. It is one of the important indicators for assessing fetal well-being.
1. If the amniotic fluid index is less than 8 cm (or 5 cm), it is considered oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), which may adversely affect fetal growth and development, such as increasing the risk of fetal malformations and hypoxia.
2. If the amniotic fluid index is greater than 20 cm (or 25 cm), it is considered polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid), which may be associated with factors such as fetal malformations, gestational diabetes, and macrosomia, and similarly increases risks to the fetus.
