What is the purpose amniotic fluid ?

Answer 1

Definition:

Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.


Information:

The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy the amniotic fluid increases in volume as the fetus grows. Amniotic fluid volume is greatest at approximately 34 weeks of gestation, when it averages 800 ml. Approximately 600 ml of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation). This fluid is constantly circulated by the baby swallowing and "inhaling" existing fluid and replacing it through "exhalation" and urination.

Amniotic fluid accomplishes numerous functions for the fetus, including:

~Protection from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements

~Allowing for freedom of fetal movement and permitting symmetrical musculoskeletal development

~Maintaining a relatively constant temperature for the environment surrounding the fetus, thus protecting the fetus from heat loss

~Permitting proper lung development

An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is called polyhydramnios. This condition may accompany multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets), congenital anomalies, or gestational diabetes.

An abnormally small amount of amniotic fluid is known as oligohydramnios. This condition may accompany postdates pregnancies, ruptured membranes, placental dysfunction, or fetal abnormalities.

Abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid may trigger additional surveillance of the pregnancy.

Removal of a sample of the fluid is called amniocentesis. This can provide information about the sex, state of health, and maturity of the fetus.

Answer 2

This protective liquid, consisting mostly of water, fills in the sac surrounding the fetus. Amniotic fluid is a colorless liquid that surrounds and protects the baby inside the amniotic sac within the uterus. When the amniotic sac ruptures, this may be referred to as your "water breaking."

When your water breaks, you may be unsure that this is what has happened. It isn't just one gush with no further leakage. While there often is a warm gush, it is usually followed by a slow, steady leak of small amounts of amniotic fluid. Having continuous leakage is a good sign that your water has broken. The fluid is usually clear, though it can be bloody, or yellow- or green-tinged. If you are unsure if your water has actually broken, smell it - it should smell sweet.

Your healthcare provider may have a test done to be sure, such as the nitrazine test, which is when amniotic fluid is placed on a strip of paper and the paper color changes to reflect the pH of the fluid, or you may have the ferning test, where a sample of the fluid is taken from the back of the vagina with a swab and examined under a microscope. Dried amniotic fluid creates a fern pattern, visible under a microscope.

Answer 3

Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.

The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy the amniotic fluid increases in volume as the fetus grows. Amniotic fluid volume is greatest at approximately 34 weeks of gestation, when it averages 800 ml. Approximately 600 ml of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation). This fluid is constantly circulated by the baby swallowing and "inhaling" existing fluid and replacing it through "exhalation" and urination.

Amniotic fluid accomplishes numerous functions for the fetus, including:

Protection from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements
Allowing for freedom of fetal movement and permitting symmetrical musculoskeletal development
Maintaining a relatively constant temperature for the environment surrounding the fetus, thus protecting the fetus from heat loss
Permitting proper lung development
An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is called polyhydramnios. This condition may accompany multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets), congenital anomalies, or gestational diabetes.

An abnormally small amount of amniotic fluid is known as oligohydramnios. This condition may accompany postdates pregnancies, ruptured membranes, placental dysfunction, or fetal abnormalities.

Abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid may trigger additional surveillance of the pregnancy.

Removal of a sample of the fluid is called amniocentesis. This can provide information about the sex, state of health, and maturity of the fetus.

Please refer to this image for clearer understanding. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/17008.htm

Answer 4

Amniotic fluid is the watery liquid surrounding and cushioning a growing fetus within the amnion. It allows the fetus to move freely without the walls of the uterus being too tight against its body. Buoyancy is also provided.

The amnion grows and begins to fill, mainly with water, around two weeks after fertilisation. After a further 10 weeks the liquid contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids, urea and electrolytes, all which aid in the growth of the fetus. By the second trimester the fetus can breathe in the water, allowing normal growth and the development of lungs and the gastrointestinal tract.

Answer 5

each and every so often the release gets watery and it adjustments lots througout being pregnant. in the experience that your panties get a consistent moist feeling to them then the suitable guess could be to call your well being practitioner. every time you're worried approximately that, you may call. Your well being practitioner is there to help. the toddler might nonetheless circulate even in the experience that your water broke. All they'll do is attempt to be certain while you're leaking with a variety of pH paper. call your record while you're very in touch. sturdy luck and that i'm hoping all is definitely!

Answer 6

This hepls portect your unborn child for bumps & the like. It also lits them move around better.

Answer 7

It protects the baby.

Answer 8

accelerant, helps babys feet move freely. teach baby to swim. gives drs something else to charge you for$$$$$$$$$

Answer 9

it protects the fetus...you know from being jarred around, so it doesn't bump it's head.

Answer 10

i think its to protect the baby from infections...i believe it is sterile...but dont quote me on that!