Water, as always, is the source of life. And during pregnancy, it couldn’t be any different. Amniotic fluid is essential for pregnancy. The function of amniotic fluid is to protect the baby during gestation and it comes from the mother’s body during pregnancy1.
About the fluid
The fluid is swallowed by the baby as a sort of practice. It also helps the kidneys and bladder to mature, so the fluid in the sac is also the baby’s urine. But don’t worry, the uterus is a completely sterile environment. The human body is made up of 70% water and nothing could be better to protect the baby. However, the amount of amniotic fluid can vary in different pregnancies, and also at different times.
Fluid volume
The normal volume of amniotic fluid is between 800 ml and 1 liter at the peak of pregnancy, which is between 34 and 37 weeks. Still, some women can have up to 3.1 liters of amniotic fluid.
In some cases, it may go beyond the maximum volume or even fall below what is considered normal and indicate a possible problem. Increases or decreases in amniotic fluid can be detected during routine ultrasound exams, and any changes are detected quite accurately.
An increase in fluid is called polyhydramnios2, and there are various causes. But if the fluid looks normal and isn’t excessive, there is no problem at all. In these cases, pregnancy can proceed without consequences with just a few extra precautions, such as rest. Medication may also be recommended to help control the fluid increase by reducing the amount of urine the baby produces.
Increased amniotic fluid can occur starting from the 30th week. In addition, the woman may notice possible signs of polyhydramnios through other symptoms her body presents.
Very large belly, stretched to the limit and a feeling of fullness and shortness of breath are some of the most common symptoms. However, since these are also typical pregnancy symptoms, it’s best to have an ultrasound before reaching any conclusions for a precise diagnosis.
Explanatory video
Scenes of a baby inside the uterus swallowing amniotic fluid.
Increased amniotic fluid can be caused by some factors such as: viral infections and STDs, fetal malformations, but the most common cause is gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can increase the amount of amniotic fluid in the sac and also make the baby urinate more than usual.
Pre-eclampsia
Another factor that can cause increased fluid is problems with the placenta, or it may be linked to the possibility of pre-eclampsia. Incompatible Rh factor can also be a culprit for increased amniotic fluid3.
Fortunately, the vast majority of polyhydramnios cases result in perfectly healthy babies with no health issues. If your doctor diagnoses an increase in amniotic fluid, they will guide you on how to proceed, the measures to be taken, and whether further investigation is needed. But generally, good rest may be the answer.
Reduced fluid
If there is a reduction in the fluid, it’s necessary to investigate a possible rupture of the amniotic sac. In cases of low fluid, if a ruptured sac is confirmed, depending on gestational age, the patient may be hospitalized to receive antibiotics and fluids to recover the amount that was lost.
Make the most of your pregnancy—a woman’s every child is unique!
See also: Signs of Labor
