Amniotic fluid is the fluid inside the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy, providing protection. Therefore, the amount of amniotic fluid must be adequate, as an abnormal amount could indicate fetal or maternal complications.
Ultrasound can be used to measure the amount of amniotic fluid using the Phelan method. This involves dividing the uterine cavity into four quadrants and measuring the diameter of each one, which allows calculating the amniotic fluid index (AFI). If the AFI is between 5 and 24 cm, the amount of amniotic fluid is considered normal. However, if the AFI is less than 5 cm, oligohydramnios is diagnosed.
Read the full article on: Oligohydramnios: causes, diagnosis and treatment in pregnancy ( 47).
By Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Rut Gómez de Segura M.D. (gynecologist), Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Cristina Algarra Goosman B.Sc., M.Sc. (psychologist).
Last Update: 07/02/2025
