What is Amnioinfusion
Amnioinfusion is a procedure in which a germ-free (sterile) saline solution is added into your uterus during pregnancy. This may be done for a variety of reasons, including:
- To increase the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby when there is not enough (oligohydramnios). This may be done before an ultrasound test so that the ultrasound pictures provide a better view of the baby. It may also be used to help provide better care for the baby if certain kinds of problems are found with his or her lungs, kidneys, intestines, or other organs.
- To
help prevent the umbilical cord from being squeezed (umbilical cord
compression) if your health care provider suspects that you may be
having this problem. In this case, an amnioinfusion can:
- Help correct a fetal heart rate that is too low.
- Lower the chance of needing a cesarean delivery.
- Lower the chance of infection of the inner lining of your uterus.
- To treat conditions such as early premature rupture of membranes.
Amnioinfusion can be done in two ways:
- Through the abdomen. This method is used when there is low fluid around the baby before labor begins.
- Through the cervix. This method is used when there is low fluid around the baby during labor or after the bag of water around the baby breaks.
Let your health care provider know about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with the use of anesthetics.
- Family and genetic history.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- A damage that causes a hole in the uterus.
- The umbilical cord entering the birth canal before the baby does (umbilical cord prolapse).
- The baby’s heart rate may be slower than normal (fetal bradycardia).
- Amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris entering the mother’s bloodstream (amniotic fluid embolism).
- Separation of the placenta from the uterus.
- Too much fluid in the uterus.
What happens before the procedure?
A vaginal exam may be performed to rule out a prolapsed umbilical cord.
What happens during the procedure?
Infusion through the abdomen
- You will lie on your back or you will be slightly tilted to your left side.
- An ultrasound scan of the uterus and baby will be performed.
- You will be given a medicine that will numb the abdominal area (local anesthetic).
- With ultrasound guidance, a needle will be inserted into the amniotic sac through the abdomen.
- Warm, sterile saline solution will be injected into the amniotic cavity.
- The procedure may be repeated weekly until the baby is delivered.
Infusion through the cervix
- You will lie on your back or you will be slightly tilted to your left side.
- An ultrasound scan of the uterus and baby will be performed.
- A fetal scalp electrode will be placed on the baby’s head.
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted through the opened cervix into the uterus. The catheter can also monitor the uterine contractions.
- Warm, sterile saline solution will be inserted through the catheter into the uterus using an electronic monitor.
The procedures may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your contractions and your baby’s heart rate will be monitored continuously to make sure that both are at healthy levels.
- Your health care provider will monitor your condition to make sure that any other problems, including problems with your baby’s heartbeat, have been reduced or corrected.
