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Amniotic fluid

 

Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.

Information

While in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at about 34 weeks ( gestation ) into the pregnancy, when it averages 800 mL. About 600 mL of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation).

The amniotic fluid constantly moves (circulates) as the baby swallows and "inhales" the fluid, and then releases it.

The amniotic fluid helps:

  • The developing baby to move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth
  • The lungs to develop properly
  • Keep a constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss
  • Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements

Too much amniotic fluid is called polyhydramnios . This condition can occur with multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets), congenital anomalies (problems that exist when the baby is born), or gestational diabetes .

Too little amniotic fluid is known as oligohydramnios. This condition may occur with late pregnancies, ruptured membranes, placental dysfunction , or fetal abnormalities.

Abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid may cause the health care provider to watch the pregnancy more carefully. Removing a sample of the fluid through amniocentesis can provide information about the sex, health, and development of the fetus.

 

References

Burton GJ, Sibley CP, Jauniaux ERM. Placental anatomy and physiology. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 1.

Gilbert WM. Amniotic fluid disorders. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, et al, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 35.

Ross MG, Beall MH. Amniotic fluid dynamics. In: Creasy RK, Resnick R, Iams JD, Lockwood CJ, Moore TR, Greene MF, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 3.

 
  • Amniotic fluid - illustration

    Amniotic fluid not only protects the fetus from injury and temperature changes, it also is circulated by the fetus every 3 hours.

    Amniotic fluid

    illustration

  • Polyhydramnios - illustration

    Polyhydramnios may occur when a fetus cannot swallow a normal amount of amniotic fluid due to a gastrointestinal, neurological, or other problem.

    Polyhydramnios

    illustration

  • Amniotic fluid - illustration

    Amniotic fluid surrounds the growing fetus in the womb and protects the fetus from injury and temperature changes. It also allows for freedom of fetal movement and permits musculoskeletal development. The amniotic fluid can be withdrawn in a procedure called amniocentsis to check for chromosomal defects or other abnormalities.

    Amniotic fluid

    illustration

    • Amniotic fluid - illustration

      Amniotic fluid not only protects the fetus from injury and temperature changes, it also is circulated by the fetus every 3 hours.

      Amniotic fluid

      illustration

    • Polyhydramnios - illustration

      Polyhydramnios may occur when a fetus cannot swallow a normal amount of amniotic fluid due to a gastrointestinal, neurological, or other problem.

      Polyhydramnios

      illustration

    • Amniotic fluid - illustration

      Amniotic fluid surrounds the growing fetus in the womb and protects the fetus from injury and temperature changes. It also allows for freedom of fetal movement and permits musculoskeletal development. The amniotic fluid can be withdrawn in a procedure called amniocentsis to check for chromosomal defects or other abnormalities.

      Amniotic fluid

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Amniotic fluid

           

             

            Review Date: 12/10/2016

            Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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