Patient Education
Abdominal Amnioinfusion
Abdominal amnioinfusion is a procedure performed during pregnancy to replace the fluid that surrounds your developing baby inside your womb (amniotic fluid). You may need this procedure if you have the condition of too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios). This condition can result if your baby is not making enough urine or if you are losing fluid. Oligohydramnios may increase your risk for early labor. It may also affect the developing baby’s lungs or cause other problems.
During this procedure, a germ-free (sterile) fluid made of salt and water (saline or Ringer’s solution) will be injected into your womb through a needle in your abdomen. The procedure may need to be repeated if oligohydramnios happens again.
What are the risks?
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Infection.
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Bleeding.
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Allergic reactions to medicines.
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Damage to other structures or organs or your baby.
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Recurrence of oligohydramnios.
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Cramping or uterine contractions.
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Premature labor.
What happens before the procedure?
Medicines
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Ask your health care provider about:
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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General instructions
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You may have ultrasound imaging of your womb to measure the amount of amniotic fluid.
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Ask your health care provider:
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What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:
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Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
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Taking antibiotic medicine.
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What happens during the procedure?
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Ultrasound imaging will be used to find the safest place on your abdomen to do the procedure.
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Your health care provider will inject local anesthetic into the skin of your abdomen to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
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Guided by the ultrasound imaging, your health care provider will insert a long needle into your abdomen and womb and inject the fluid.
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The needle will be removed.
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A small dressing or bandage may be placed over the injection site.
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The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What can I expect after the procedure?
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You will be monitored after the procedure.
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Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored.
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It is common to have some cramping in the abdomen.
Follow these instructions at home:
Puncture site care
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your puncture site. Make sure you:
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
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Change or remove your dressing as told by your health care provider.
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Check your puncture area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
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Redness, swelling, or pain.
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Fluid or blood.
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Warmth.
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Pus or a bad smell.
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General instructions
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves.
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Do not lift anything heavy or engage in activities that require great effort during the first 24 hours after your procedure, as told by your health care provider.
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Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Summary
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Abdominal amnioinfusion is a procedure to replace fluid inside your womb (amniotic fluid).
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During this procedure, a germ-free solution will be injected into your womb through a needle in your belly (abdomen).
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Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told. This is important.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
