Amniotic Fluid

What roles does the amniotic fluid play in pregnancy?

When a woman becomes pregnant, an amiotic sac forms to hold the baby. Inside of the amniotic sac is amniotic fluid that the fetus will float around in until birth. Amniotic fluid has a slightly yellowish color and is liquid. At first, the mother's body will produce the amniotic fluid but eventually the baby will make it by swallowing the fluid and urinating into the sac. As your baby grows, the amount of amniotic fluid will increase.

Amniotic fluid is critical for a healthy pregnancy. Not only does the amniotic fluid provide a safe area for your baby to grow for 40 weeks, it also keeps the baby's environment a steady temperature to prevent heat loss. The amniotic fluid also allows your baby to move and develop properly. Because the baby can inhale and exhale into the amniotic fluid, it helps promote respiratory development and "practice breathing".

The amniotic fluid can tell doctors alot about your developing baby. Doctors are able to diagnose and confirm most birth defects, gender and check fetal lung development. If a doctor needs a sample of the amniotic fluid, he will suggest an amniocentesis. During an amniocentesis the doctor inserts a needle into the amniotic sac via ultrasound guidance to withdraw a small amount of fluid to be screened.

Comments: Amniotic Fluid

Comments 1 to 7 of about 7.

Razon13 - 701 days ago.
I am 19 weeks and just had my results back from my AFP test..they show some abnormality so I have been advised by my doctor to do the amniocentesis test just to make sure all is well!! They say it's quite common for someone my age 34 to have abnormalities and it's my 1st preganancy. So I am getting it done next week!! so fingers crossed all goes well!!.

alijahsmama - 823 days ago.
Im 23 weeks & 4 days, About 2 weeks ago my water had broke out of surprise i had no complications my whole pregnancy. When your water breaks you obviously loose your amniotic fluid, the baby need sthis fluid for development. But doctors told me that babies produce fluid through there urine.So for the last 2 weeks ive been hospitilized an on complete bedrest only can use the ladies room an thats not even a foot away! they told me that the baby wouldnt make it the first 2 days an like I said Ive been here just about 2 weeks so I think its just all on hope! I have to lay with my feet up, Docs say that it helps hold the fliud in. So pinkxx hun If the doctor feels it is low they will probably most likely put you on bedrest again the baby need that fluid to learn to breath an move around, Today i got a shot for his lungs it comes in two doses suppose to help mature his lungss an give him a better chance for survival if he comes early. Im hopin oh so not baby boy is very strong an weve made it this far, So just take it easy hun! if you can bed rest is the best in my opinion & lots hugs & kisses ffrom the hubby!!! W/ unconditional support! Aria

AMummylove - 945 days ago.
Shola: They can do a test stick and It show's. I had oligohydramnios with my Angel daughter.. We had lot's of other problem's also and my little one went to Heaven. I did leak fluid from very early on.

shola - 946 days ago.
q - how do u know if u are leaking amniotic fluid or urine?

1flymom - 1443 days ago.
scary story! my water bag was leaking for a while and the doc never caught it. one day close to my due date i didnt feel my baby move and i was instructed by my docs to stay home and the reason y he wasnt moving was because of the lack or space left in the womb. of course my mother instincts kicked in and i went anyway and the docs ended taking him out right away because he could of died. now i have a healthy 3 year old boy!

aplross - 1614 days ago.
anyone have any problems with an amniotic band?

pinkxx - 1659 days ago.
can anyone help i had a ultrasound 2 day they said amniotic fluid is low ive look at my notes and it says 5cm is that how much fluid their is does anyone know how much is normal or two low ive got to be check 2 morrow again im worried it two low can anyone help please thanks