Understanding Low Amniotic Fluid Levels: Causes & Implications

Question
my sister-in-law says that her dr told her that her amneonic fluid level is low.  we were wondering how significant this is, and what are the possible problems associated with it.

Answer
Amniotic fluid is created by the baby by continuously swallowing and then urinating the fluid out into the amniotic sac. If there is a low amount of amniotic fluid, it could mean that there is a problem with the kidneys of the baby or that there was a leakage of amniotic fluid out of the sac. That could cause infection. Serial sonography will show if it replenishes itself. At term, if the AFI (amniotic fluid index) drops below 7, we opt to deliver the baby right away. The normal range is between 9-25.