Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb during pregnancy. Some of the functions of the amniotic fluid are:protects the fetus from injury, infection, while providing space for the fetus to grow and develop properly.
Amniotic fluid begins to be produced after the amniotic sac is formed, which is about 12 days after fertilization. Amniotic fluid consists primarily of maternal body fluids. Then at about 20 weeks of gestation, amniotic fluid is dominated by urine released by the fetus.
Amniotic fluid is clear yellowish and odorless. Its composition consists of hormones, nutrients, immune system supporting cells, and fetal urine. It is with amniotic fluid that the fetus learns to breathe, swallow, and move.
The function of amniotic fluid for the fetus
Here are some of the functions of amniotic fluid for babies in the womb:
1. Protects the fetus from impact
The first function of amniotic fluid is to protect the fetus against impacts and external pressures, for example when a pregnant woman falls or hits her stomach.
2. Give room for movement
Amniotic fluid also provides space for the fetus to move, and keeps the umbilical cord from getting caught between the fetus and the uterine wall.
3. Prevent infection
Amniotic fluid serves to prevent infection in the fetus. The content of immune-forming cells in the amniotic fluid is in charge of fighting incoming infections.
4. Make the fetus comfortable
The amniotic fluid ensures that the uterus remains warm and comfortable for the fetus. The temperature of the amniotic fluid is usually slightly warmer than the mother's body, which is around 37.5 degrees Celsius.
5. Supports lung development
The fetus does not breathe by inhaling, but swallowing the amniotic fluid. This activity begins when the womb is 10-11 weeks old. At 32 weeks of gestation, the fetus begins to practice breathing by inflating and deflating the lungs. The baby's lungs are considered mature at 36 weeks of gestation.
6. Supports the development of the digestive system
The fetus learns to swallow by drinking amniotic fluid. The water is then excreted as fetal urine to maintain a stable amount of amniotic fluid. A fetus that has difficulty swallowing amniotic fluid will result in too much amniotic fluid volume (polyhydramnios). This can indicate a digestive disorder in the fetus.
7. Supports muscle and bone development
The amniotic sac provides space for the fetus to move. This activity supports the development of fetal muscles and bones.
Abnormalities in the amount of amniotic fluid
The amount of amniotic fluid tends to increase with increasing gestational age, and reaches its highest point around 36 weeks of gestation. After that , the volume of amniotic fluid will decrease as labor approaches .
The normal volume of amniotic fluid is as follows:
- 60 milliliters (ml) at 12 weeks pregnant.
- 175 ml at 16 weeks gestation.
- 400-1200 ml at 34-38 weeks.
- 600 ml at gestational age
It is important to know whether the amount of amniotic fluid is appropriate for the gestational age. Lack or excess of amniotic fluid are equally risky.
Lack of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) can be caused by congenital abnormalities in the fetus, placental abnormalities, premature rupture of membranes, and pregnancy exceeding the HPL (the estimated day of birth). In addition, complications of pregnancy, such as dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, and diabetes, can also cause oligohydramnios.
While excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) can be caused by genetic abnormalities in the fetus, gestational diabetes, t win t o t win t ransfusion s syndrome (TTTS), rhesus incompatibility between maternal and fetal blood, and fetal heart defects.
Given the importance of the function of amniotic fluid for the fetus, make sure the amount is appropriate for gestational age. Don't forget to consult regularly with your obstetrician so that your pregnancy will be healthy until the day of delivery arrives.