During pregnancy, the womb fills with a clear, yellowish fluid called amniotic fluid. As a consequence, fluid surrounds the developing child in the womb and is essential to their healthy growth. Within the first 12 days of pregnancy, a mother produces this essential fluid, and she must keep these levels at their optimum levels to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
The amniotic fluid is continuously moving (circulating) as the baby “inhales” this before releasing it.
Amniotic fluid is helpful for:
- the developing fetus to move while in the womb, allowing for healthy bone development
proper lungs development - relieves the umbilical cord of pressure
- Keep the baby’s surroundings at a steady temperature to prevent heat loss.
- By absorbing abrupt strikes or motions, shield the infant from harm from the outside.
Both of these conditions much or too little—can cause problems for the baby. What exactly happens if the optimum levels of this fluid are not managed to reach? And how can the appropriate volume of amniotic fluid be maintained throughout pregnancy? Let’s get thoughts from Dr. Suchita Deshmukh, one of the top gynaecologists in Nashik in this blog.
What is Amniotic Fluid?
The amnion and chorion membranes combine to form a bag-like structure in which the growing infant develops. As early as 12 weeks into pregnancy, the amniotic sac, which contains the developing baby, begins to produce amniotic fluid. The majority of the amniotic fluid produced by the mother’s body during the first few weeks of pregnancy is water.
By the fifth month of pregnancy, this amniotic fluid gradually transforms into a mixture of water and foetal urine, which contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and hormones. The fluid is absorbed by the baby, who then excretes it, gradually increasing its volume.
Due to the vital role it plays in the growth of the baby in the womb, this versatile fluid can be described to as the baby’s “bread and butter.” The following are the functions of amniotic fluid in pregnancy:
- The nutrients and hormones found in amniotic fluid support the baby’s optimal lung, bone, and organ development.
- By preventing heat loss, the optimum temperature for the baby is maintained.
- The amniotic fluid functions as a cushion to shield the foetus from any potential knocks or unexpected blows.
- A few times, the baby may feel pressured from the umbilical cord that the amniotic fluid prohibits.
Healthcare providers measure the amniotic fluid using ultrasound. Usually, the volume is determined by measuring individual fluid pockets located throughout the sac. At 34 weeks of gestation, when fluid levels are at their highest, the baby is surrounded by 800 ml (on average) of fluid. The foetus is encircled by 600 mL of amniotic fluid at full gestation.
What happens when amniotic fluid is low during pregnancy?
The amniotic fluid is essential to the baby’s proper growth. A condition that is prevented by a sufficient amount of amniotic fluid can be risked by a low volume of fluid. Lower volume output, a symptom of developmental issues, may also be the cause of lower amniotic fluid.
Therefore, an issue with insufficient fluid volume will exist and may result in severe consequences. Health issues like diabetes, hypertension, placental abruption, miscarriage, certain drugs, and health issues like the baby’s genetic diseases are among the factors that contribute to the low volume of fluid.
How to increase amniotic fluid during pregnancy?
According to Dr. Suchita Deshmukh, the best obstetrician in Nashik, “in cases of decreasing amniotic fluid during 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, delivery is frequently the most suitable way a couple can take.” Due to the lack of a proven long-term treatment for low amniotic fluid, this is recommended. Gynecologists in India advise a variety of short-term treatment options for pregnancies that are less than 36 weeks along after evaluating the baby’s health and determining the root of the issues. In general, in addition to IV procedures, women are advised to drink additional fluids. Another successful surgery is called Amnioinfusion, which is done through cervix and also abdominal route which is absolutely depends on the situation.
This procedure is frequently recommended when the baby’s health is considered to be being impacted by the reduced amniotic fluid; a baby’s irregular heart rate is a common symptom in this situation.
It is advised that you see a gynecologist as soon as you can if you need treatment for lower amniotic fluid. A professional gynecologist determines the issue causing the lower amniotic fluid and offers the best treatment option for you. If you’re in Nashik, Dr. Suchita Deshmukh is the top female gynaecologist in Nashik there and has a great track record of treating pregnant women who have low amniotic fluid problems.