Low Amniotic Fluid (AFI) in Pregnancy: Causes, Management & Increasing Fluid Volume

Question
I am 28 yrs and now 24 weeks pregnant (3rd pregnancy, one abortion in 2007 and a 2yrs old girl and present pregnancy).At 22 wks my scan showed that the AFI was 10.1 which was told as low, to rest and repeat scan after 2 wks. The repeat scan shows AFI 8.3 and ecosprin was started 1OD for a month along with rest. Please let me know how much rest is to be taken and what else can be done to increase my amniotic fluid volume. The baby measurements and kicks are fine and renal system is also developed. Placenta is 3cm from OS.Thank you

Answer
Dear Shama

An index of 8 is definitely low but at this stage requires nothing but monitoring. Most cases with low index improve and, in some ocassions amnioinfusion (injecting fluid into the amniotic cavity around the baby) is useful.

However, since the main source of amniotic fluid is the baby's urine, a low index may indicate an obstructive problem with its urinary tract. A proper diagnosis is only possible with a repeat scan(s. Again such obstruction, if present, is correctable.

Good Luck