15 to know about amniotic fluid

Medicoman · January 20, 2020, 7:57am

what is amniotic fluid for?
Amniotic fluid is a clear and Sterile Liquid in which the foetus bathing during pregnancy. A real place of exchange and life! Amniotic fluid not only allows the baby to move easily in his mother’s belly but also protects him from external shocks and infections. Not to mention that it keeps around it a constant temperature of 37°C, one of the essential conditions for its good growth.
how does amniotic fluid form?
It is from the 3th week of life that a small cavities dig above the egg (which, at this stage of pregnancy, has the shape of a 2 MM DISC). It will gradually become the future amniotic pocket in which the foetus will develop. Amniotic Fluid, which fills this pocket, comes mainly from secretions of the membranes surrounding the foetus, and its urine, which appears as early as the 4th month of pregnancy, when its kidney begins to function.
what is the amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid is composed mainly of water (97 to 99 %) and mineral salts. But it also contains fetal cells (they are the ones that allow the study of the cells after amniocentesis), fragments of polytene materials, proteins with antibacterial activities and “snowflakes” of vernix caseosa, a white and greasy coating that protects the skin From the foetus. We can even spot the presence of hair!
can the baby swallow amniotic fluid?
Yes, and it’s even quite normal! Amniotic fluid is eaten by the foetus, filtered, then eliminated by its urine, which allows it to be constantly renewed. As of the 4TH MONTH, the baby will even receive large quantities of liquid that flow in his digestive and urinary systems and will improve the broncho-lung system. Part of the liquid turns into urine; the other is taken up by its gut, reaches to its blood circulation and returns to the breast body through the placenta.
does the amount of amniotic fluid vary?
Yes, its volume increases gradually, along with the weight of the foetus. From 20 ML TO WEEK 7 of amenorrhea (absence of rules), amniotic fluid reaches a peak of about 1 litre between the 32th and 36th weeks then decrease beyond Week 38, to stable around 800 ml at week 40
how do you control its quantity?
It is the ultrasound that allows you to evaluate the volume of amniotic fluid: this one appears on the screen as a black zone. At the beginning of pregnancy, we clearly see the foetus bathing in the center of a uniform mass. Then the liquid is distributed around the baby, forming kinds of " tanks " that the sonographer measures to appreciate the total volume (still called " amniotic index "). For the doctor, it is an important test: if the amount of liquid Is normal is that the foetus is fine. So he is very attentive to his variations.
can we have too much amniotic fluid?
It is quite common for the amount of liquid to suffer small temporary variations but these are mostly without any consequences. When it seems really too important for the size of the uterus, it’s more worrying. Doctors then talk about “polyhydramnios”. this phenomenon may be due to excessive manufacture of Liquid, or to a lack of resorption by the foetus. A careful clinical and ultrasound exam will help detect the cause of it (a pregnancy anomaly possibly associated with diabetes or blood type conflict between the mother and child). Because this problem should not be treated lightly. Polyhydramnios can indeed cause a of the uterus and labor that sometimes cause premature birth. To prevent this risk, the future mom will receive medical treatment, and will eventually suffer an abdominal tap of amniotic fluid.
on the other hand, is a lack of liquid possible?
Absolutely. And it is sometimes worrying: the lack of amniotic fluid - called “Oligohydramnios -, or its total absence -” Anamnios -, can compromise the child’s good development. Once again, the doctor will work to determine the cause of this decrease and its consequences. He will look for a foetus (such as a kidney anomaly) or kindergarten - either placental or obstetric (cracks or break of the water pocket). He’ll make sure the foetus doesn’t suffer. With all these directions, the gynecologist will decide whether it is reasonable to continue the pregnancy. If so, the future mom will be under close surveillance.
does drinking a lot increase the volume of the liquid?
If the amount of amniotic fluid is not directly linked to the mother’s state of hydration, drinking enough during pregnancy (1,5 to 2 litres of water per day) guarantees the right quality. Hydrate properly helps prevent the risk of urinary infections, sources of germs that can infected amniotic fluid.
how can amniotic fluid get infected?
This sometimes happens as a result of bacterial vaginitis or urinary infection. In this case, the virus, bacteria or germs responsible for the infection can contaminate and damage the membranes of the water pocket. They break out and let these disease agents pass through, which end to alter the normally sterile amniotic fluid. But the mother can also be infected via blood exchanges with the mother (for example, following a listeriosis).
why do you lose water when you give birth?
Amniotic fluid is surrounded by solid and stretchy membranes, making up the amnion, more commonly called water pocket. During birth, the liquid and the membranes surrounding it pressure on the neck of the womb to force it to expand. Once the membranes are broken (water loss), amniotic fluid flows into the vagina. By Lubricant the organs, it makes delivery easier.
can a partial loss of amniotic fluid be dangerous?
The Water Pocket can actually break or crack before term. This phenomenon is characterized by a low flow, which should not be confused with loss of urine or vaginal secretions. Not always easy… if you have any doubt, please do not hesitate to consult. If the crack is light, don’t panic, your pregnancy will have a chance to continue - the amniotic fluid renewing every 24 hours -, but it will be placed under surveillance: you will have to stay in bed and you will receive an antibiotic treatment To Reduce the risk of infections.
what are the tests performed on amniotic fluid?
The Amniocentesis consists of taking 10 to 20 ml of amniotic fluid. This exam allows to isolate and study a few fetal cells in order to be able to detect heritable diseases or chromosomal anomalies, such as down syndrome 21, or even diagnosis of certain infections (Cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis…). It is not always proposed (and refunded to 100 % by social security) than to women aged 38 and over or who have already had a down syndrome (they have the right to refuse). Amniocentesis is also indicated when the blood test for serum markers (hormones measuring the risk of down syndrome), performed at the beginning of pregnancy, is positive. The Amnioscopie is another exam to observe amniotic fluid, but rather rare, and especially practiced at the end of pregnancy, in case of over-term. It allows you to control the appearance of amniotic fluid through the water pocket. Using a luminous tube introduced into the cervical collar, the doctor notes the colouring of the liquid, normally clear. If it’s a little dark, we start the birth.
can the color of amniotic fluid vary?
Amniotic fluid needs to be clear. But it can sometimes have a cloudy or green appearance, which alert the doctor. This color reflects the show of meconium (first saddle of the foetus), a sign of a baby suffering that can justify the release of birth. If the liquid has traces of blood, it is probably a subdural hematoma. Most often, a c-section must be performed urgently.
what does the mother eat pass in amniotic fluid?
There is indeed the nutrients from the mother’s diet. They can take two ways: through the blood via the umbilical cord, or through the membranes to reach the water pocket directly. Their scent will smell the amniotic fluid. Thus, it is during his inner life that the child gets used to the flavours of the foods consumed by his mother. Spices And Condiments Enhance its taste buds and allow it to develop its taste.