Why is amniotic fluid important

It may also occur in mothers with a history of any of the following medical conditions:. Oligohydramnios can happen during any trimester but is a more concerning problem during the first 6 months of pregnancy. During that time, there is a higher risk of birth defects, loss of pregnancy, preterm birth, or neonatal loss of life.

The rest of the pregnancy will be monitored closely to ensure normal development is taking place. In some cases, doctors may decide that labor will need to be induced, in order to protect the mother or the child. Amnioinfusion the infusion of saline into the uterus , increasing maternal fluids, and bed rest may also be necessary.

There is a higher chance of labor complications, due to the risk of umbilical cord compression. Amnioinfusion may be needed during labor. In some cases, a cesarian delivery may be necessary.

When there is too much amniotic fluid, this is called polyhydramnios. According to the American Pregnancy Association, it occurs in 1 percent of all pregnancies. Too much fluid can also be produced during multiple pregnancies, when the mother is carrying more than one fetus. Maternal symptoms can include abdominal pain and difficulty breathing due to the enlargement of the uterus. Testing for maternal diabetes may be recommended, and frequent ultrasounds will be obtained to monitor the levels of amniotic fluid in the uterus.

In more severe cases, fluid may need to be reduced with either amniocentesis or a medication called indomethacin. This reduces the amount of urine the baby produces. Sometimes, fluid leaks before the waters break. According to the American Pregnancy Association, only 1 in 10 women will experience a dramatic flow of fluid as the waters break.

For most, it will start as a trickle, or leak. Sometimes, what looks like fluid leaking is actually urine, because the uterus is pressing on the bladder. This condition may occur with late pregnancies, ruptured membranes, placental dysfunction , or fetal abnormalities. Abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid may cause the health care provider to watch the pregnancy more carefully.

Removing a sample of the fluid through amniocentesis can provide information about the sex, health, and development of the fetus. Placental anatomy and physiology. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 1. All of our services are free of charge. Pregnancy tests are the only service that can be scheduled online.

STD screens and ultrasounds must be scheduled via phone or text. Click for details. The Importance of Amniotic Fluid in Pregnancy.

Oligohydramnios can happen during any trimester but is a more concerning problem during the first 6 months of pregnancy. During that time, there is a higher risk of birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth.

When oligohydramnios is present in the last trimester, the risks include slow fetal growth, labor complications see below and a need to deliver via Cesarean section C-section.

In the presence of oligohydramnios, the remainder of the pregnancy will be monitored closely to ensure the baby is developing normally. Doctors may utilize the following tests:. In some cases, doctors may decide that labor will need to be induced, in order to protect the mother or the child.

Amnioinfusion the infusion of saline into the uterus , increasing maternal fluids and bed rest may also be necessary. Risk of labor complications is common due to the risk of umbilical cord compression and may require amnioinfusion during labor; in some cases, a C-section may be warranted. Too much fluid can also be produced during multiple pregnancies, when the mother is carrying more than one fetus. Maternal symptoms can include abdominal pain and difficulty breathing due to the enlargement of the uterus.

This condition can also cause complications such as premature labor, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage and fetal malposition.

Testing for maternal diabetes may be recommended and frequent ultrasounds will be obtained to monitor the levels of amniotic fluid in the uterus.