CLINICAL UTILITY OF AMNIOTIC-FLUID VOLUME ASSESSMENT

Abnormal amniotic fluid volume is associated with increased maternal r isk and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Until the advent of ultraso nography, the invasive nature of amniotic fluid volume assessment limi ted its clinical utility. Refinements in quantifying the noninvasive s onographic assessment of oligohydramnios and hydramnios have improved the ability of clinicians to identify at-risk pregnancies. This articl e reviews the available methods of amniotic fluid volume assessment an d outlines a comprehensive approach to sonographic screening and monit oring.