![]() ![]() 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.
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