While more research is needed, a Cochrane database review also found that simple hydration increased amniotic fluid levels. According to one study, hydration is very helpful for upping amniotic fluid levels in women between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. Drink more fluidsĪnytime during your pregnancy, drinking a lot of water can make a huge difference. Some causes of low amniotic fluid have a simple solution, but others may require more intensive intervention. Treatment for low amniotic fluid will depend on the cause and how far along you are. An AFI below 5 cm means low amniotic fluid. These measurements will be added together to get the AFI.Ī normal AFI is 5 to 25 cm. The AFI is measured exactly like the single deepest pocket method, but the ultrasound technician will measure fluid pockets from four different parts of the uterus. A finding of less than 2 cm indicates low amniotic fluid at this stage.Īfter 24 weeks of pregnancy, the most common way to measure amniotic fluid is called the AFI, or amniotic fluid index. A normal measurement is 2 to 8 centimeters (cm). The ultrasound technician will scan your uterus to find and measure the single deepest pocket of amniotic fluid they can. They can use an ultrasound to measure if there is enough fluid.īefore 24 weeks or in pregnancy with multiples, amniotic fluid is measured via ultrasound with a method called the “maximum vertical pocket.” How can you know for sure if you have low amniotic fluid levels? This will require - you guessed it - a visit to your doctor.
Some medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, may cause low amniotic fluid. (By that point, though, everyone - and especially you - is probably so eager to meet baby that being induced or otherwise delivering will be more than welcome.) Amniotic fluid naturally starts decreasing after 36 weeks of pregnancy, and is very likely to get too low after 42 weeks of pregnancy. That’s why it’s so important to keep those prenatal appointments, even if they’ve been fairly uneventful so far. Maternal complications such as the following can cause low amniotic fluid levels: If a baby has physical problems, especially with the kidneys, they may not make enough urine, which leads to low amniotic fluid. If the placenta isn’t behaving, or has started to detach from the uterine wall, your baby may not be getting enough nutrients to have good fluid (urine) output.īirth defects. The placenta plays the crucial role of bringing nutrients and oxygen to your baby. This is when your amniotic sac (or “bag of waters”) breaks or begins leaking before labor actually starts. There are several things that can cause low amniotic fluid. Then we’ll consider what you can do on your own - and what your doctor can do - to help. Let’s first take a look at how amniotic fluid works and why it may be low. helps baby’s body parts develop normallyĪmniotic fluid also helps keep the umbilical cord floating freely, so that it doesn’t get squished between the baby and the side of your uterus.cushions your baby (kind of like a shock absorber).It’s the fluid that surrounds your baby while they grow inside your uterus.
It’s important to do what they say.Īmniotic fluid is a very important part of fetal development.
If your levels are putting you or your baby at risk, your doctor will tell you - and advise you on what to do next. (OK, so we’re not serious about that last one.)Īmniotic fluid is something else you want on your radar, but let’s get serious for a moment. It can feel like there’s so much to think about during pregnancy - eat a balanced diet, take your prenatal vitamin, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, keep anxiety in check, sleep on your left side, pat your head and rub your belly at the same time.
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