Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
07:34
Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Amniotic fluid volume at 41 weeks and infant outcome
Helena Lam1, Wing-Cheong Leung, Chi-Peng Lee
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR. lamswh@yahoo.com.hk
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|July 19, 2006
Summary
The amniotic fluid index (AFI) can help predict thick meconium-stained liquor and fetal distress in postdate pregnancies, but its predictive role is limited when used alone.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Postdate pregnancies require careful monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
- Assessing amniotic fluid volume is crucial in managing pregnancies extending beyond the due date.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in assessing postdate pregnancies.
- To determine the correlation between AFI and adverse fetal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 118 well-dated postdate pregnancies at 41 weeks.
- Amniotic fluid index (AFI) quartile distribution was analyzed.
- Correlation with thick meconium-stained liquor (MSL), fetal distress interventions, and special care baby unit (SCBU) admissions was assessed.
Main Results:
- A median AFI of 8 cm was observed.
- Lower AFI quartiles (< or = 8 cm) were significantly associated with thick MSL (adjusted OR 11.0).
- The lowest AFI quartile (< or = 5 cm) was significantly associated with intervention for fetal distress (adjusted OR 7.95).
Conclusions:
- Amniotic fluid index (AFI) shows potential in predicting thick meconium-stained liquor and fetal distress in postdate pregnancies.
- The predictive utility of AFI alone in these scenarios is limited.
- Further research may explore combined parameters for enhanced prediction.
