What Does This AFI Value During 38 Weeks Of Pregnancy Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2014

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

Fri, 5 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 4 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife is 38 weeks pregnent, as per the last ultrasound conduucted on 4th September 2014 it was found that the AFI is 8.4 is there any problem if we want normal delivery.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
LOW NORMAL AFI. NORMAL DELIVERY CAN BE DONE.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

Normal AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index) value is between 8 to 18. It may be low NORMAL or below average near TERM (after 38 weeks) due to slight reduction of amniotic fluid volume. It is quite physiological.

AFI 8.4 is suggestive of LOW NORMAL amniotic fluid volume. However, NORMAL delivery can be conducted. I totally depends on pelvic assessment and fetal well being during the first stage of labor to make a decision whether mode of delivery would be VAGINAL or C-SECTION.

You should consult with your obstetrician regarding this for proper management of the case and safe delivery of your baby.

Hope, it helps for your information. Kindly, close the discussion if you don't have any other query.

Wish her good health and successful motherhood.

Regards,
Dr S Patra

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar