Amniotic fluid is a fluid that protects and sustains as the fetus grows in the womb. Amniotic fluid is made when the amniotic sac is created or concerning 12 days after fertilization. The function of amniotic fluid is very vital for the fetus. Among other things, to protect the fetus from impact, to help the development of the legs, muscles, lungs, and digestive system of the fetus.
Amniotic fluid is located in the amniotic sac. The color of the amniotic fluid is clear and slightly yellowish, but looks clear and odorless. It is in the amniotic fluid that the fetus floats, breathes, and moves. The fetus also swallows amniotic fluid, excretes it as urine, then swallows it again. This aims to maintain the stability of the volume of amniotic fluid. Too much or too little volume of amniotic fluid can harm pregnancy.
Amniotic Fluid Composition and Volume
Amniotic fluid is composed of nutrients, hormones, and immune-forming cells that are useful for supporting fetal development. At 20 weeks of gestation, the composition of amniotic fluid is dominated by fetal urine. The volume of amniotic fluid will continue to increase during pregnancy. However, when the gestational age reaches 38 weeks, the volume decreases to prepare for birth. Here's an estimate of the normal volume of amniotic fluid:
- 60 milliliters (mL) at 12 weeks of gestation.
- 175 milliliters (mL) at 16 weeks of gestation.
- 400–1,200 milliliters (mL) between 34-38 weeks of gestation.
The volume of amniotic fluid may be an excessive amount of (polyhydramnios) or deficient (oligohydramnios). Both of these conditions are dangerous for the development and safety of the fetus. Therefore, consult a gynecologist to determine the normal volume of amniotic fluid. The doctor will perform an examination with a pregnancy ultrasound to assess whether the volume of amniotic fluid is appropriate for the gestational age.
Amniotic Fluid Function
The important functions of amniotic fluid include:
1. Provides room for movement for the fetus
Amniotic fluid permits the fetus to have room to move. The fetus that moves frequently indicates that it is getting enough nutrients and oxygen.
2. Supports muscle and bone development
The movement of the fetus in the womb helps to form and increase the strength of the muscles and bones of the little one.
3. Maintain ideal temperature
The sac and amniotic fluid maintain the ideal temperature to keep the fetus comfortable. The temperature of the amniotic fluid is usually slightly higher than the mother's body, which is around 37 degrees Celsius.
4. Detect genetic disorders
In certain conditions, the doctor may suggest genetic testing through a sample of the amniotic fluid in the mother's womb. This examination is called amniocentesis. This can be done because the amniotic fluid contains pieces of fetal skin cells. This amniocentesis examination should be performed before the gestational age enters the second trimester.
5. Protects from impact
Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from shocks, impacts, or pressure on the mother's stomach.
6. Helps lung development
The fetus does not breathe the way we breathe. The fetus depends on the mother's breathing to receive oxygen. At 10-11 weeks of gestation, the fetus begins to inhale a small amount of amniotic fluid. Although inhaling, the movement is more like swallowing. This activity helps the development of the lungs. By the age of 32 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus will begin to practice breathing movements which are a combination of swallowing and lung contractions.
7. Helps the development of the digestive system
Swallowing amniotic fluid plays an important role in the development of the fetal digestive system. Difficulty swallowing amniotic fluid may end up in an excessive amount of amniotic fluid volume, that ends up in the chance of pregnancy complications.
8. Protects from infection
Amniotic fluid plays a task in protective the fetus from infection by stopping the expansion of sure forms of bacteria.
The amniotic sac will generally rupture before birth. When your baby is ready to be born, amniotic fluid will flow from the vagina. After that, you may experience firmer, more regular contractions. See a doctor right away if your membranes rupture prematurely, your water is thick green and smells bad, or you have a fever just before delivery.
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