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Amniotic fluid index. Gestational age-specific values for normal human pregnancy
M Hallak1, B Kirshon, E O Smith
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Amniotic fluid index (AFI) values vary throughout pregnancy. This study provides gestational age-specific AFI ranges for normal pregnancies, crucial for assessing fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Amniotic fluid volume is a key indicator of fetal health.
- Establishing normative data is essential for accurate clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference ranges for the amniotic fluid index (AFI) based on gestational age in a specific population.
- To provide data for evaluating normal fetal well-being.
Main Methods:
- Prospective measurement of AFI in 892 normal singleton pregnancies.
- Data collection from 15 to 40 weeks of gestation.
- Stratification of AFI values by week of gestation and percentile.
Main Results:
- Median AFI increased from 10.3 cm at 15 weeks to a peak of 14.0 cm at 30 weeks.
- Median AFI decreased to 9.1 cm by 40 weeks.
- Statistically significant differences in AFI were observed between preterm and term groups.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age-specific AFI values are necessary for accurate fetal well-being assessment.
- The 5th and 95th percentiles define the normal range for AFI.
- Utilizing population-specific AFI charts improves clinical interpretation.