What is "amnioinfusion"

n. A method of thinning thick meconium that has passed into the amniotic fluid.

Amnioinfusion is a method in which isotonic fluid is instilled into the amniotic cavity in order to thin thick meconium that has passed into the amniotic fluid.

It has been used to reduce meconium aspiration syndrome, though evidence of benefit is mixed. It also serves to possibly prevent or relieve cord compression.

It is sometimes used in severe cases of oligohydramnios to prevent umbilical cord compression. However, there is uncertainty about the procedure's safety and efficacy, and it is recommended that it should only be performed in centres specialising in invasive fetal medicine and in the context of a multidisciplinary team.