Question 1

i  had an amniotic fluid test which showed a high concentration of alpha-fetoprotein. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

AFP in amniotic fl: If an amniocentesis is performed and AFP is detectedin the amniotic fluid, this means that the fetus has an open neural tube defect or an abdominal wall defect. Sonographic evaluation needs to confirm the abnormality.

Question 2

what is a fish test on amniotic fluid?

Accepted Answer

Rapid look for Down.: Fish stands of fluorescent in-situ hybidization of the chromosomes in fetal cells obtained after invasive prenatal diagnosis (such as amniocentesis). When time is of the essence, fish can give a preliminary result of fetal aneuploidy (e.g. Down syndrome) within 24 hours from the procedure. It should be followed by a full karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis.

Question 3

what are the tests for amniotic fluid embolism?

Accepted Answer

Clinical and DIC: Amniotic fluid embolism, depending on the amount of fluid getting into maternal circulation can be catastrophic.  The diagnosis depends on clinical suspicion and testing for disseminated intra-vascular coagulation, namely low platelet count, elevated pt ptt, abnormal shape of red cells, low fibrinogen and fibrin split products, chest x-ray etc.

Question 4

what are the tests for amniotic fluid infection?

Accepted Answer

Amniocentesis: The diagnosis is suggested by severe abdominal pain, decreased fetal movement, and maternal fever.  The definitive test is amniocentesis, which is to obtain a sample of fluid, usually under ultrasound guidance, and then sending the fluid for appropriate laboratory studies.  This is a very serious condition that, if confirmed,  almost always requires delivery of the baby.

Question 5

can a yeast infection cause a ph strip to turn blue green when testing for amniotic fluid leaking?

Accepted Answer

No: Normal vaginal ph is 4.0-4.5 (acidic) whereas amniotic fluid ph is more alkaline with a neutral ph 7.0-7.5. A yeast infection typically does not alter the normal vaginal ph of 4.0-4.5.  Likely not pertinent to you but the other 2 common types of vaginal infection (bacterial vaginosis ph 5.0-6.0 and trichomonas ph 6.0-7.0) do raise the ph.

Question 6

what is the normal amount of amniotic fluid?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 800 cc: The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at about 34 weeks (gestation) into the pregnancy, when it averages 800 mL. About 600 mL of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation). Having said that, amniotic fluid is exchanged between mother and her fetus several times a day.

Question 7

is there any way to increase amniotic fluid if it is low?

Accepted Answer

Rest and hydration: There is not a great definitive way to increase amniotic fluid when it is low. Often times complete rest and hydration are recommended. If the pregnancy is close enough to the due date, delivery is recommended because low fluid is often a sign that the placenta is not working well.

Question 8

what causes low amniotic fluid levels?

Accepted Answer

Multiple things: Low amniotic fluid may happen for many reasons. Rupture of membranes or water breaking is the most obvious. Amniotic fluid can be low with dehydration. It can also be a sign of early fetal distress or fetal anomalies. As your doctor knows the whole story, he or she will be able to give reasons as to why low fluid may be happening in your case.

Question 9

is excess amniotic fluid a cause for concern?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Excess amniotic fluid can be associated with diabetes, infection, and birth defects that prevent the fetus from swallowing. It can also be associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Once the causes above have been eliminated, testing of the fetus' wellbeing should be done until delivery.

Question 10

can you tell me how doctors check your amniotic fluid?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound: An ultrasound of the uterus is done to measure the pockets of fluid.  There are two ways to do this.  You can measure the single largest vertical pocket or you can measure the largest vertical pocket in each of 4 quadrants around the umbilicus and add them together.

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Doctor answers about:

Amniotic fluid test strips

A member asked:

I had an amniotic fluid test which showed a high concentration of alpha-fetoprotein. what does this mean?

A member asked:

What is a fish test on amniotic fluid?

A member asked:

What are the tests for amniotic fluid embolism?

A member asked:

What are the tests for amniotic fluid infection?

A member asked:

Can a yeast infection cause a ph strip to turn blue green when testing for amniotic fluid leaking?

A member asked:

What is the normal amount of amniotic fluid?

A member asked:

Is there any way to increase amniotic fluid if it is low?

A member asked:

What causes low amniotic fluid levels?

A member asked:

Is excess amniotic fluid a cause for concern?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how doctors check your amniotic fluid?

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