Amnioinfusion

Amnioinfusion is a relatively new technique with a variety of uses. Its most common application is the treatment of variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate during labor. By artificially increasing the amniotic fluid volume, the umbilical cord is better protected from compression. Amnioinfusion can represent the difference between operative intervention and spontaneous vaginal delivery. This simple, inexpensive technique appears to pose little risk and warrants consideration for the properly selected patient.