When we are pregnant, the word amniotic fluid begins to gain great importance. It is that it is the means that protects our baby while it is in our womb.
Amniotic fluid contains water and all substances found in the mother's blood. This fluid is constantly renewed and allows the fetus to move in the uterus and to remain at the ideal temperature.
Amniotic fluid is vitally important to protect the baby of possible blows, to give him minerals, to help him move and prepare for the birth. So the amniotic fluid is a kind of special nest so that our baby is in optimal conditions until the moment of delivery.
But in addition, the amniotic fluid allows the baby to start develop the senses since through it the embryo perceives the sounds of the external environment. This way you can recognize the voice of the mother and the sound of her heart. It is not by chance that babies already born calm down when we put them on their mother's chest.
It may happen that some pregnant women experience a reduction in the amount of amniotic fluid in the last months of pregnancy. In that case, the doctor will indicate rest to keep the liquid stable. There are even women who have the call «Dry delivery«, Which presents with complications and often ends up with a cesarean section to preserve the baby.
What is amniotic fluid
After the brief introduction, now we are going to go into the subject so that you understand the importance it has. It is a yellow liquid that appears during the first 12 days after conception and is found within the amniotic sac.
This fluid surrounds the baby while it is growing inside the uterus. Its functions are of vital importance for the fetus and for its development. But it is necessary to know that if there is too much or too little amniotic fluid, complications for fetal development can occur.
The amniotic sac bag is made up of two membranes known as: amnion and chorion. The fetus grows and develops within this sac surrounded by amniotic fluid.
Composition and color
Initially, the liquid is made up of water produced by the mother. By about 20 weeks' gestation, however, this is entirely replaced by fetal urine. Amniotic fluid also contains vital components, such as nutrients, hormones, and antibodies that fight infection.
When the amniotic fluid is green or brown, this indicates that the baby has expelled the meconium before birth. Meconium is the name for the first bowel movement.
Meconium in the liquid can be problematic. It can cause a breathing problem called this substance aspiration syndrome that occurs when it enters the lungs. In some cases, babies will need treatment after they are born.
Facts about amniotic fluid
Next we are going to explain some interesting facts about amniotic fluid so that you know its importance:
- At first it is just water that over time also contains the baby's urine.
- It contains nutrients, hormones and antibodies that protects the baby from possible injuries caused by the outside, for example, a fall from the mother.
- Too high or too low levels of the fluid can cause problems.
Features
Amniotic fluid is responsible for:
- Protection of the fetus: the liquid protects the baby from external pressures and acts as a shock absorber. If the mother falls, for example, and the blow is mild, it does not have to affect the baby.
- Temperature control: the liquid insulates the baby, keeps him warm and at a regular temperature. In this way your body temperature will always be the same and you will be protected.
- Infection control: amniotic fluid contains antibodies… so it is important to maintain your health during pregnancy.
- Development of the lungs and digestive system: By breathing in and swallowing amniotic fluid, the baby practices using the muscles in these systems as they grow. He's practicing for when he's outside.
- Development of muscles and bones: As the baby floats within the amniotic sac, it is free to move, giving muscles and bones a chance to develop properly. You will be gaining muscle strength!
- Lubrication: Amniotic fluid prevents parts of the body such as fingers and toes from growing together; Membranes can be produced if amniotic fluid levels are low… That is why it is so important that you always have an adequate amount.
- Umbilical cord support: the fluid in the uterus prevents the umbilical cord from being compressed. This cord carries food and oxygen from the placenta to the growing fetus. If compressed, the baby could die from malnutrition.
Keep the following in mind ...
Normally, the amniotic fluid level is at its highest around the 36th week of pregnancy. This level decreases as birth approaches. When waters break, the amniotic sac breaks. The amniotic fluid contained within the sac begins to leak through the cervix and vagina.
The waters usually break towards the end of the first stage of labor. A propitious lower occurs early in labor. When this happens, it is time to go to the hospital because delivery may be imminent.
If you notice that during pregnancy you may be having fluid leaks amniotic but it is not time to be in labor yet, then you will have to go to the doctor immediately to assess if there are any problems.
During visits to the midwife and doctor during pregnancy, tThey will also check that everything is going well in terms of amniotic fluid and that they do not cause any problems in fetal development. There are some disorders that can occur that need to be taken into consideration.
Now that you know the importance of amniotic fluid in pregnancy, do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have about it. The more information you have, you will surely feel calmer!