What does the term amnioinfusion mean?
An amnioinfusion is the administration of a saline drip into the uterus. It is accomplished by using the pressure catheter that has been installed through the cervix. The goal of a amnioinfusion is to reduce fetal distress and reverse a complicated situation without resorting to a cesarean section. It may be used to dilute the meconium if it is particularly thick, helping to wash it out and reduce the risk of meconium aspiration sydrome to the newborn. It is also used in any labor in which there is reduced amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) such as a preterm or postterm or IUGR mothers. This is because the reduced amniotic fluid increases the risk of umbilical cord compression during contractions: a condition which is displayed on the fetal heart monitor as potentially dangerous variable or late decelerations. By using amnioinfusion the situation can be reversed and reduce the need for a cesarean section. Amnioinfusion is considered a safe technique in which the saline solution is simila
