The amniotic fluid is an integral part of the womb, which nourishes and protects the baby throughout the pregnancy. What can this amniotic fluid tell us about the baby’s health? How can you access and test this fluid? We have all the answers for you right here!
The amniotic fluid is a clear pale yellow liquid the baby floats in inside the uterus. This odourless liquid protects the baby from impact by acting as a cushion around it. The amniotic fluid contains all the essential nutrients, antibodies, and hormones for fetal development.
When inside the womb, the baby floats in this amniotic fluid and also swallows it. The baby also urinates into the same liquid. Though it may sound unhygienic, it is essential for the baby to breathe in and swallow this clear liquid.
Too much or too little amniotic fluid can impact the pregnancy outcome and the baby’s health. During routine ultrasound scans, the healthcare provider will measure the amniotic fluid to ensure it is within the safe range.
The amniotic fluid plays an important role in fetal development in the following ways:
● Cushions the fetus from external injury caused by the mother’s movements (jumping, bumping, falling)
● Aids easy fetal movement inside the womb
● Helps in the development of the baby’s bones and muscles
● Protects fetus from infections
● Helps the umbilical cord float around and prevents it from getting squished or compressed, thus ensuring a smooth flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
● Breathing in and swallowing the fluid helps develop the baby’s respiratory and digestive system.
● Helps regulate the baby’s body temperature.
● Contains the antibodies necessary to strengthen the baby’s immune system.
● Provides lubrication and prevents the baby’s body parts, like fingers and toes, from sticking together.
The amniotic fluid range varies according to the gestational age of the baby. The amniotic fluid range in the 3rd month of pregnancy will be very different from the amniotic fluid levels in the 9th month.
The amniotic fluid reaches its maximum level around week 36 of pregnancy (less than 1 litre) and starts decreasing as the due date approaches. When a woman’s water breaks (the first sign of labour), it is the release of amniotic fluid after the sac tears. This happens when the baby is ready to come out, and the mucus plug dislodges.
The amniotic fluid can start leaking even before the mucus plug comes off. As a result, the fluid levels will start decreasing. The doctors will keep a close watch on the fluid level to ensure it does not reduce too much.
The following conditions can affect the amniotic fluid levels in pregnancy:
1. Oligohydramnios – In this condition, the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is less than 5 cm. Very low amniotic fluid in the first 6 months of pregnancy can be very dangerous. It can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or deformities in the baby. If the fluid level drops in the later part of pregnancy, it can lead to the compression of the umbilical cord, which in turn can cut off the oxygen and nutrients supply to the fetus.
2. Polyhydramnios – In this condition, the AFI is more than 24 cm. This condition can cause complications for both mother and baby. For the baby, it can lead to a miscarriage, stillbirth, or macrosomia – a condition where the baby is large for the gestation age. For the mother, high amniotic fluid levels can cause breathlessness, swollen feet, or constipation and also put pressure on the surrounding organs.
3. Chorioamnionitis – The placenta acts as a barrier and prevents the transfer of infections from the mother to the fetus. When a bacteria successfully reaches the baby, it will infect the amniotic fluid and result in chorioamnionitis. The doctor will treat the infection with suitable antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause some serious pregnancy complications.
4. Premature Rupture of Membranes – When the amniotic fluid starts leaking before the due date, it can lead to very low fluid levels and increase the risk of infections and other complications.
Amniocentesis is the process of removing a small sample of the amniotic fluid and testing it. Your doctor will not suggest this test unless it is really necessary, as it carries some risks. This test can help identify –
● Genetic disorders like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
● Neural tube defects like spina bifida or anencephaly
● Genetic metabolic disorders
The doctor may also test the amniotic fluid to check if:
● The baby has any infections
● The lungs are mature enough for birth
● The baby is safe and healthy.
Amniocentesis is an elective test, and you can deny it if you are not willing to take the risk. Doctors will not recommend it unless the maternal age is too high or the chances of the baby having issues are high. If you are getting the test, ensure your doctor is well-experienced in this procedure, and the clinic/hospital is equipped for such tests.
The amniotic fluid is a very important part of the pregnancy. Though many do not worry too much about it, the fluid levels can influence the pregnancy outcome to a great extent. This magical fluid can tell us a lot about the baby even before the baby is born. Close monitoring of this fluid throughout the pregnancy is very important to foresee and avoid various complications.
● The amniotic fluid contains all the essential nutrients necessary for the baby’s growth. It protects the baby from infections and helps regulate fetal temperature. It also acts as a cushion, protects the fetus from injury, and allows it to move freely around the womb.
● Analysing the amniotic fluid can help doctors identify genetic disorders, neural tube defects, or infections in the baby, if any. In case of doubts, the fluid can also be tested to check if the baby’s lungs are mature enough for birth.
● Apart from very high or very low amniotic fluid levels that can impact the baby and the pregnancy outcome, the fluid is also associated with Chorioamnionitis. This intra-amniotic infection affects the fetus when bacteria successfully enter the membranes or the tissues around the fetus.
● The normal range of amniotic fluid will vary according to the gestational age. It reaches the maximum level between weeks 34 and 36 of pregnancy and gradually decreases as the due date draws closer.