Amniotic fluid, amniotic fluid, or - is a clear or slightly yellow fluid that surrounds the fetus is in utero; It plays a huge role in its development. Containers for amniotic fluid are fetal membranes. The main components of membranes are water, waste from the fruit (mainly urine), and the cells of his skin.

The origin of the amniotic fluid

The placenta produces amniotic fluid mother during the first trimester and early in the second trimester, the fetus is not yet buds become mature enough that he was able to create for themselves their own broth. He swallows amniotic fluid, when does "breathe", and then it is derived from his body in the urine. Thus, supported by constant circulation of amniotic fluid. However, do not think that amniotic fluid is comprised almost entirely of urine - on the contrary, wastes pass through the placenta of the fetus and the mother are filtered by the kidneys, so that the fluid in the sac is clean enough.

Functions of amniotic fluid

In addition to protecting the fetus is in the uterus, amniotic fluid performs a number of other functions:

• It provides even, symmetrical growth of the various parts of the body of the fetus;
• Contributes to the normal development of bones and muscles;
• It allows the child to move inside the uterus;
• Do not give the membranes too tightly against the body of the child;
• It stimulates the normal development of the digestive system of the child;
• It prevents compression of the umbilical cord by which a fetus receives oxygen and various nutrients;
• It maintains constant body temperature of the fetus, which is essential for normal development.

The normal level of amniotic fluid

The amount of amniotic fluid continues to increase up to 34-36 weeks of pregnancy - by this time in the sac contains, on average, about 950 ml of amniotic fluid. Then its volume up to the birth will gradually decrease. Too big or too small amount of amniotic fluid can lead to various complications of pregnancy.

Reduced the amount of amniotic fluid

Deficiency of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios or oligohydramnios) - a violation, because of which substantially increases the likelihood of premature birth Premature birth - Recognize the signals of the body in time   and development of a variety of birth defects, such as hypoplastic lungs. Oligohydramnios has also been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or fetal death in utero. As a rule, this violation does not have pronounced symptoms; some patients abdomen may be smaller than it is usually other women at the same stage of pregnancy, but it does not always indicate a low amount of amniotic fluid. Among the factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disorder - gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. As a rule, the only thing that can help doctors when oligohydramnios - a regular survey, in which carefully evaluates the child's condition. If there is a risk to his health or life, and gestational age allows it, it can be used artificial induction of labor Stimulation of delivery - whether to be afraid of? .

The increased amount of amniotic fluid

An excess of amniotic fluid, too - hydramnios or polyhydramnios - can cause maternal symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and severe edema. The reasons for polyhydramnios may be various infectious diseases, diabetes in the mother, as well as abnormalities in fetal development. In rare cases, in women with polyhydramnios is observed leaking amniotic fluid. Excess amniotic fluid can lead to the same complications as oligohydramnios.

Other complications associated with amniotic fluid:

• Amniotic fluid embolism - a rare disorder that occurs when amniotic fluid, along with fragments of hair Hair: structure, characteristics of growth and development   fruit, its skin cells and other particles to penetrate the placenta in the mother's bloodstream and cause an allergic reaction. The main symptoms of amniotic fluid embolism are shortness of breath, sudden drop in blood pressure, cramps, nausea, pulmonary edema and heart failure. This can lead to life-threatening complications such as neurological damage.
• Amniotic band constriction - a group of disorders that develop during contraction or damaged parts of the body of the fetus thin fibrous strands called amniotic constrictions. Such constrictions are formed when there is a rupture of the inner membrane of the placenta, and the outer membrane remains intact. Thin strands of tissue ruptured membrane, floating in the amniotic fluid, the fetus can entangle, restrict blood flow to certain parts of the body and cause a variety of soft tissue injuries. This can result in malformations such as abnormally short or missing fingers or toes, cleft lip, cleft palate, clubfoot. The most common and effective treatment for the syndrome of amniotic constrictions is surgery.
• Chorioamnionitis - a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid that develops before birth or during labor. The most common causative agents of chorioamnionitis are E. coli and streptococcus group B. Complications of the infection can be severe blood loss during and after childbirth, the need for a caesarean section, and bacteremia.
• Meconium aspiration syndrome. Meconium - this is the first feces of the newborn. In some cases, a child's first bowel movement occurs shortly before birth and meconium mixed with amniotic fluid. His getting into the baby's lungs can lead to various malformations, and even infant death.

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