European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

BACKGROUND:The amniotic fluid plays an important role in fetal growth. Measurement
of amniotic fluid volume can be made directly, indirectly, or estimated sonographically.
Thetwo standardmethods of sonographic evaluation of amniotic fluid volume are single
deepest pocket (SDP), and amniotic fluid index (AFI). We aimed to compare different
methods of measuring AFI for increasing its accuracy and, subsequently neonatal
outcome.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Obstetric and gynecological
departmentfrom May 2019 to February 2020. The study included 80 pregnant women (18-
35) years old whose gestational age before 24 weeks of gestation and not hypertensive or
diabetic. Women were assigned to AFI or SVDP measurement for estimation of amniotic
fluid volume in lateral decubitus Position at 36 weeks, thenfollow-up measurements of AFI
and SVDP were performed at 38 – 40 weeks of gestation at both postures.
RESULTS: At 36 weeks of gestation, there was a statistically significant increase in AFI
and VDP values on maternal change position from supine to lateral decubitus.Also, a
similar significant increase in AFI and VDP values on changing maternal position at 38-
40 weeks of gestation.There was a significant increase in AFI values with the progress of
gestation age at the supine position. Without significant difference at lateral decubitus
position, but there was a significant increase in VDP values with the progress of gestation
age at both positions.There was a significant negative correlation between AFImeasured
on lateral decubitus position at 36 weeks and incidence of AF-stained meconium and need
for NICU admission alsothe incidence of respiratory distress as well as there was a
significant negative correlation between all VDP values and need for NICU admission and
the incidence of respiratory distress.
CONCLUSION:We concluded that the VDP method is the favorable method to estimate
amniotic fluid volume.