These conclusions were from five randomized controlled trials involving 3226 women with singleton pregnancies, reported on between 19. The other measured perinatal outcomes that were no different were a non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracing, the presence of meconium, or an Apgar score of less than 7 at five minutes.

Yet the rate of admission to neonatal intensive care units and the occurrence of neonatal acidosis, an objective assessment of fetal well-being, were similar between the two groups. The women also had a higher rate of caesarean section for so-called fetal distress. This review demonstrated that using the amniotic fluid index increased the number of pregnant women who were diagnosed with oligohydramnios and induced for an abnormal fluid volume when compared with the deepest vertical pocket measure. When the fluid index goes below 5 cm, it may result in complications. In case the vertical pocket goes below 2 cm, it may also result in low levels of amniotic fluid. When the volume of fluid comes below 500 ml, it may cause oligohydramnios. It can be used to determine amniotic fluid volume by measuring either the amniotic fluid index or single deepest vertical pocket. It is known as oligohydramnios and results in various complications. Ultrasonography is non-invasive and is used widely for the follow up of pregnancy. Many caregivers practice planned delivery by induction of labor or caesarean section after diagnosis of decreased amniotic fluid volume at term, to prevent an adverse pregnancy outcome. A decreased amniotic fluid volume (oligohydramnios) can occur because of fetal anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia or prolonged (post-term) pregnancy. Polyhydramnios occurs when excess amniotic fluid accumulates in the uterus during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid provides a supportive and protective environment for fetal development during pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid levels