What is this made of and how much is
enough, too much? What’s normal, what’s not?
The amniotic sac that contains your
baby begins to form about 12 days after conception. Amniotic fluid begins to
form at that time, too. In the early weeks of pregnancy, amniotic fluid is
mainly made up of water supplied by the mother. After about 12 weeks, your
baby’s urine makes up most of the fluid. The amount of amniotic fluid increases
until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. At that time you have about 1 quart of
fluid. After that time, the level begins to decrease.
Sometimes you can have too little or
too much amniotic fluid. Too little fluid is called oligohydramnios. Too much fluid is called polyhydramnios. Either one can cause problems for a pregnant woman and her
baby. Even with these conditions, though, most babies are born healthy.
The amniotic fluid that surrounds
your baby plays an important role in her growth and development. This
clear-colored liquid protects the baby and provides her with fluids. Your baby
actually breathes this fluid into her lungs and swallows it. This helps her
lungs and digestive system grow strong. Your amniotic fluid also allows your baby
to move around, which helps her to develop her muscles and bones.
Normal amniotic fluid is clear or
tinted yellow. Fluid that looks green or brown usually means that the baby has
passed his first bowel movement (meconium) while in the womb. (Most babies have
their first bowel movement after birth.)
If the baby passes meconium in the
womb, it can get into his lungs through the amniotic fluid. This can cause
serious breathing problems, called meconium aspiration syndrome, especially if the fluid is thick. Some babies with
meconium in the amniotic fluid may need treatment right away after birth to
prevent breathing problems. Babies who appear healthy at birth may not need
treatment, even if the amniotic fluid has meconium.
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