Relationship of amniotic fluid index (AFI) in third trimester with fetal weight and gender in a southeast Nigerian population

Abstract

BackgroundAmniotic fluid (AF) is one of the major determinants of fetal biophysical profile and can predict pregnancy outcome. Abnormal value of amniotic fluid index (AFI) may indicate fetal and maternal disorders.PurposeTo establish reference standards for AFI for this population after 28 weeks of pregnancy and evaluate the relationship between AFI, the estimated fetal weight (EFWT), and fetal gender.Material and MethodsA prospective cross-sectional estimation of AFI and FWT was done in 385 apparently healthy pregnant women in the gestational age range of 28–42 weeks. General scanning in longitudinal, transverse, and oblique directions of the abdomen was done to assess the fetal wellbeing and determine the fetal gender for each participant. AF was measured in each of the quadrants of the abdomen. The four values of the AF were summed to get the AFI. Measurement of the head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femoral length of the fetus were obtained. The EFWT was calculated using Hadlock’s formula. The data were divided into five groups: 28–30 weeks 6 days; 31–33 weeks 6 days; 34–36 weeks 6 days; 37–39 weeks 6 days; and 40–42 weeks. AFI for the different gestational age group studied and their percentiles were obtained.ResultsAFI normogram for the local population was established. Positive and significant correlations of AF and EFWT were seen in all the gestational age groups of the women. No significant correlations between AF and EFWT was seen in male fetuses. Regression equations of EFWT and AFI were obtained for female fetuses.ConclusionThe normal range for AFI values for the third trimester was established and could be used to evaluate AFI in the studied population. Established fetal weight should be taken into account when interpreting AFI for female fetuses but this need not be applied for male fetuses.

The Correlation Between Amniotic Fluid and Neonatal Weight

“…These results concurred with the results of the study done by Brace et al (21). The reason why literature studies present different results is that AFI values may change depending on many factors such as ethnicity, geographical region, socio-economical factors (22). Meanwhile, the current study suggested no significant correlation between age and parity and AFI.…”

Determinants of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Oligohydramnios After 37+0 Weeks of Gestation in Mekelle Public Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia

“…Amniotic uid index [AFI] and single deepest pocket [SDP] are the most-used semiquantitative techniques. AFI is calculated by summing the depth in centimeters of 4 different pockets of uid not containing cord or fetal extremities in 4 abdominal quadrants using the umbilicus as a reference point and with the transducer perpendicular to the oor [4,21,22]. SDP refers to the vertical dimension of the largest pocket of amniotic uid [with a horizontal measure of at least 1 cm not containing umbilical cord or fetal extremities and measured at a right angle to the uterine contour and perpendicular to the oor.…”

Comparison of Amniotic Fluid Index at Different Gestational Age in Normal Pregnancy

“…AFI values most especially in third trimester are proportionate to the fetal urine production, nutrients and oxygen transfer [23]. Hence, monitoring the AFI has become a standard of antenatal care [32,33]. In this study, the gestation specific percentage values of amniotic fluid index have been formulated for the uncomplicated pregnant Abuja women.…”