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Amniotic fluid volume assessment with the four-quadrant technique at 36-42 weeks' gestation.
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1987
Year
36-42 WeeksFetal MedicineGynecologyFetal ComplicationEmbryologyReproductive MedicineObstetricsPublic HealthAmniotic Fluid IndexRadiologyAmniotic Fluid VolumeMaternal HealthNewborn MedicinePrenatal DiagnosisMaternal-fetal MedicineUltrasoundMidwiferyPlacental FunctionUltrasound ApproachPediatricsIntrapartum UltrasoundFour-quadrant TechniqueMedicine
The study developed an ultrasound method to identify normal amniotic fluid volume and is investigating its relationship with fetal outcome. The method divides the uterus into four quadrants, measures the largest pocket in each with real‑time B‑scanning, and sums the diameters to produce the amniotic fluid index. The technique is quick, simple, and provides a semiquantitative estimate, with a normal term index of 12.9 ± 4.6 cm.
An ultrasound approach was developed to identify normal amniotic fluid volume. The uterine cavity was divided into four quadrants. With the use of linear-array, real-time B-scanning, the vertical diameter of the largest pocket in each quadrant was measured. The sum of these four quadrants was used to provide a single number for the amniotic fluid volume and termed the amniotic fluid index. This approach is simple, requires little time and gives a semiquantitative estimate of amniotic fluid volume. Based on our observations, the normal amniotic fluid index in term gestation is 12.9 +/- 4.6 cm. Evaluation of the relationship between amniotic fluid volume and fetal outcome is under investigation.