What Is an Amnioinfusion?
Amnioinfusion is an obstetrical technique that may be employed at different stages of labor or pregnancy to address a variety of complications. The procedure adds fluid to the amniotic fluid, and it may do so in a couple of ways. Most often this addition of fluid is indicated when a woman is in labor and meets certain conditions, but there are a few times when it might be employed during pregnancy. The more accepted recommendations for amnioinfusion are that it be used during end stages of labor. Normally, doctors will consider it if there are variable decelerations of the heartbeat, which might suggest cord compression. Adding extra fluid to the uterus is thought to give greater cushioning and potentially reduce chance of fetal cord compression, which in turn may make heart rate stable or prevent oxygen loss.
