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Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.
InformationWhile 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. Approximately 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, or "exhales," the fluid through urine.
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 relatively constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss
- Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements
An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is called polyhydramnios. This condition can occur with multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets), congenital anomalies (problems that exist when the baby is born), or gestational diabetes.
An abnormally small amount of 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. Removal of a sample of the fluid, through amniocentesis, can provide information about the sex, health, and development of the fetus.
ReferencesRoss MG, Ervin MG, Novak D. Fetal physiology. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 2.
Gilbert WM. Amniotic fluid disorders. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 31.
Cunnigham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al . Fetal growth and development. In: Cunnigham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005:chap 4.
What else can I help you with?
What color is the amniotic fluid?
The amniotic fluid is clear
What color amniotic fluid is?
The amniotic fluid is clear
What is an amniotic fluid embolism?
An amniotic fluid embolism is a complication of pregnancy characterized by movement of amniotic fluid past the placenta.
What is the amniotic fluid and what is its function?
Amniotic fluid is a nourishing fluid found in the amniotic sac of the embryo. Its main function is nourishment of the embryo. Please refer to the related questions for detailed information on Amniotic fluid.
Do your water have to break to be in labor?
Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby during pregnancy.
What type of fluid is in the amniotic sac?
The fluid in the amniotic sac is called amniotic fluid. It is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds and protects the developing fetus in the womb. Amniotic fluid helps cushion the baby, regulate temperature, and allows them to move and develop properly.
What is the pH of amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid has an alkaline pH (7.1 to 7.3)
What is the bag called where the amniotic fluid is kept?
There is only a single bag of amniotic fluid.....unless you have twins.
What information can you get from amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid is 98% water and 2% salts and cells from the baby. Low levels of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) can cause complications in pregnancy, Oligohydramnios can cause complications. amniotic fluid is made by the mother's body. After month 4, the baby starteto make a contribution to the amniotic fluid by urinating into it.
What is the medical term meaning scanty amniotic fluid?
Oligohydramnios means scanty amniotic fluid.
How does a baby lose amniotic fluid?
Post maturity is the commonest cause by which you loose your amniotic fluid.
What is the membrane of fluid that holds the fetus in the mothers womb called?
The membrane is called the Amniotic Sac, and the fluid is the Amniotic Fluid
