How To Increase Amniotic Fluid?

Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 Answered on

Fri, 8 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on

Question :
Hi doctor.I've jus started my 32nd week n the ultrasound shows low amniotic fluid and AFI -7.7 my doctor had prescribed to take l-arginine which I have been taking from past ten days but there has been no increase in,the fluid. What other natural means can I do to increase amniotic fluid??? Is this a very serious situation???

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Though not extremely serious, needs monitoring.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms. Walia,

Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.

Your amniotic fluid index is at the 5th percentile value for the gestational age, i.e., low normal. Though this is not an extremely serious state, proper treatment and regular monitoring are essential to plan the time of intervention, if needed.

You cannot see much difference so soon after a treatment. As far as natural methods are concerned, please take plenty of fluids, improve protein diet and take adequate rest.

Intra-amniotic infusion and infusion through amniocentesis which is rarely followed now-a-days, are methods used to improve the liquor volume.

Hope I have clarified your query. Please feel free to contact for further information. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (15 hours later)

Thank u doctor. But also increasing fluid intake is causing more frequent urination. How can I retain fluid in my body if I'm constantly using the washroom after I hav water.?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not everything is lost.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

It is true that you need to urinate more often if you increase the intake of water. This is a natural reflex, but, this also means that you are well hydrated and this hydration helps to increase the amount of liquor as the maternal concentration dips.

So, please continue taking good amount of liquid and please remember, not everything you take is lost through urine, some is retained in the body.

Hope I have clarified your doubt. Please contact if you need any more information. I will be ready to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju