What Is Amniotic Fluid And What Are Its Functions?
Amniotic fluid is the substance that surrounds the fetus inside the amniotic sac. This is the bag where the baby is formed and develops until the moment of birth.
Amniotic fluid plays an important role in development. Most importantly, it protects the baby’s body as well as the mother’s organs. It also helps maintain the biological balance.
Due to its important role, amniotic fluid can be used by doctors to obtain information about the fetus’ health and development. Among other things, this means that some diseases can be detected early.
What is amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid is a clear, almost transparent liquid, but with a yellowish tint. It is normal that it also has some small blood stains. It is usually odorless.
As the pregnancy progresses, it can fill up with lumps that are flakes off the baby’s skin. After the due date – after 40 weeks – it becomes milky in color. It consists of water, electrolytes, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, urea and fetal cells.
The mother begins to produce this drug at 12 days of gestation. It then gradually increases to around the 34th week. Then it decreases a little and the membranes rupture when the birth begins, when what is called “the water goes” occurs.
What is its function?
Amniotic fluid plays a key role during pregnancy. The fetus floats in this substance; if it did not exist, development would be impossible.
Although there are still gaps in the science of this subject, we know that the main functions of amniotic fluid are the following:
- It facilitates bone growth: The substance allows the fetus to move freely without the membranes in the fetal sac attaching to the body. This means that it can grow without problems.
- Promotes muscle development: It allows the fetus to move in different positions. This contributes to muscle development.
- Protects the fetus: Amniotic fluid acts as a shock absorber during external shocks or sudden movements. It also reduces the effect of uterine contractions.
- Protects the mother: The fluid also acts as a pillow for the mother against the movements of the fetus. It also prevents damage to nearby organs and prevents compression of the umbilical cord.
- Creates a favorable environment: By maintaining the right temperature inside the uterus. It also provides a sterile, ie bacteria-free environment.
- Allows exchange of biochemicals and regulates pH.
- It promotes the development of lungs: From the second trimester, the fetus inhales and swallows amniotic fluid. This helps the lungs to develop as well as the gastrointestinal system.
- Helps movement into the birth canal: The fluid helps the fetus to settle in the birth canal. It then lubricates the area to facilitate birth.
Main problems related to amniotic fluid
The main problems associated with amniotic fluid have to do with volume. The fetus needs a sufficient amount to develop normally. From this point of view, we analyze three abnormal situations.
Insufficient amniotic fluid
This condition is also known as oligohydramnios , and it increases the risk of umbilical cord accidents. Lack of fluid means that the fetus has less room to move freely.
If this situation continues for a while, it is also possible that the lung development will be affected, since the fetus inhales and exhales this substance. Premature birth is also more likely.
The problem may be due to the mother being dehydrated, changes in the placenta or premature rupture of membranes. If it is serious, the doctor will probably decide to speed up the birth to avoid greater risk.
2. An excess of amniotic fluid
This case is also known as polyhydramnios . The greatest risk is premature birth, so it requires close medical monitoring. Doctors can treat it with medication or by eliminating excess amniotic fluid. If it occurs late in pregnancy, there may not be a need for an intensive approach.
Excess amniotic fluid is often caused by gestational diabetes or abnormalities in the fetus. It is more common when it comes to multiple pregnancies.
3. Amniotic fluid leakage
It is possible that amniotic fluid leaks out during pregnancy. This can happen slowly, in small amounts, or be sudden and abundant. If it happens before 37 weeks, it is called premature ejaculation.
This condition can lead to impaired fetal development, infection or premature birth. In some cases, the mother will need hospitalization and treatment with medication to accelerate the fetus’ lung development. The goal is to postpone the birth as long as possible.
If a leak occurs after 37 weeks, no intervention may be necessary. The doctor may recommend inducing the birth if it has not started 24 hours after the event.
When should you see a doctor?
Usually too much or too little amniotic fluid causes no symptoms in the mother. If there is too little fluid, you may just feel that the fetus is moving less than it should.
If there is too much fluid, the mother will sometimes feel short of breath or experience painful contractions prematurely. Liquid leaks, if they are detected, should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
Given the importance of amniotic fluid for the baby’s normal development, it is best to have regular follow-up visits. It is important to inform your doctor about signs of leakage.
Mothers with diabetes or multiple pregnancies should be even stricter about seeing their doctor regularly. It is very important to maintain adequate hydration during pregnancy and follow all the doctor’s advice.
