Deepest vertical pocket method

Last revised by Ammar Haouimi on 4 Mar 2023

The deepest (maximal) vertical pocket (DVP) depth is considered a reliable method for assessing amniotic fluid volume on ultrasound 1,2. It is performed by assessing a pocket of a maximal depth of amniotic fluid which is free of an umbilical cord and fetal parts.

The usually accepted values are:

  • <2 cm: indicative of oligohydramnios
  • 2-8 cm: normal but should be taken in the context of subjective volume
  • >8 cm: indicative of polyhydramnios (although some centers, particularly in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, use a cut off of >10 cm)

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