Amniotic fluid is a magical fluid that allows life in the womb, among other things. Amniotic fluid is the 'water' that people refer to when they say that 'my water has broken' at the end of pregnancy when the baby is about to enter the world. During pregnancy, the fetus is contained within a membrane filled with this fluid, which is essential for proper fetal development and a healthy pregnancy. The membrane is also commonly known as the 'water pocket'
Amniotic fluid characteristics
Amniotic fluid is light yellow and pale in color, usually odorless, although some say it smells sweet or stronger, like bleach. The amount of amniotic fluid depends on each pregnancy, but it is not usual that from the 34th week of pregnancy it begins to decrease slightly due to the size of the baby. For this reason, doctors from this week pay special attention to amniotic fluid since if quantity of it is lost or some anomaly occurs it can be dangerous for the health of the baby.
Amniotic fluid is made up of water, electrolytes, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids, and urea, in addition to fetal cells.
What is?
Amniotic fluid has a fundamental purpose for a good pregnancy. This liquid provides great cushioning and protection to the baby, for so if the mother receives light blows to the baby's belly, it will not affect him at all.
In addition, it also allows the baby while developing and growing in the womb, to be able to move properly. The good development of the baby also depends on the amniotic fluid that the mother has in her belly.
This fluid fills the baby's lungs during 'fetal respiration'. This helps the baby's lungs develop properly before birth. It is essential that the baby's lungs develop well to ensure that it can breathe when it enters the world, although the lungs will continue to mature after the baby is born.
As if that were not enough, in addition to all these functions, the amniotic fluid also provides a relatively consistent and adequate temperature to maintain the vital functions of the baby and that it feels comfortable and warm in the mother's womb.
The amniotic fluid also makes the urine of the fetus so that it can be swallowed and digested without problems by the developing baby.
Most common problems
There are some common problems in the amniotic fluid that should be evaluated by doctors and assess to what extent it may be detrimental (or not) to the development of the baby. Some of these most common problems are those that we detail below.
Abnormal color
The fluid may be green, brown, or tinged with blood. In short-term or short-term pregnancies, green or brown fluid may indicate that the baby has had a bowel movement (meconium), which contributes to the color change. This can be an indication that a baby is in danger or simply that the pregnancy it has spread long enough for the baby to make the first stools in the womb.
When it's stained with blood
Amniotic fluid may be stained with blood, especially during childbirth, if the cervix has started to dilate, or if there are placental problems. Dark fluid can also be seen with an intrauterine stillbirth when the fetus has died during pregnancy.
Abnormal smell
If the liquid has an unpleasant odor, it is usually a sign of infection. Women when they break water at home should contact a doctor immediately if the liquid has a bad odor.
Oligohydramnios
It is also known as Oligo. This means that there is a reduced amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus as a result of a fluid leak or a congenital problem with the fetus or placenta.
This abnormality can also occur if the fetus has kidney problems: the fetus has decreased urine output and therefore not as much amniotic fluid. The volume of liquid can be measured through ultrasound.
Polyhydramnios
In this case, there is more fluid than normal, usually caused by congenital abnormalities in the fetus, multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets), or gestational diabetes. In some cases, the cause is simply unknown. This abnormality can also be measured with an ultrasound.
Premature Rupture of Premature Membranes (PPRM)
Complications can arise for both mother and fetus if the amniotic sac "ruptures" too early during pregnancy. Complications include infection, impaired fetal development, or preterm labor and delivery.
Typically, the goal is to delay labor for as long as possible for the mother and fetus. This may require hospitalization, bed rest, intravenous antibiotics, and corticosteroids to accelerate the fetal lung maturity., which can delay labor and increase the chances of survival of the fetus if it is born prematurely.
Keep in mind that there is a wide range of what is "normal" in terms of amniotic fluid color, quantity, and odor. If you have doubts, you will only have to go to your doctor to ask any of your concerns. When you are pregnant you will not be able to know whether or not you have amniotic fluid with abnormalities because it does not usually give symptoms, unless there are other associated aspects that complicate the pregnancy. It will be your doctor who will assess if you have a problem or if any type of treatment is required for your specific case.
Remember that to have a good pregnancy you must go to your prenatal appointments and that your doctor can monitor your pregnancy well. Follow their instructions so that you can have good health and that your baby develops correctly. In the event of any anomaly or symptom that you think is not normal, go to your doctor or emergency room to assess your health and that of your baby.