How does amniotic fluid form

The amniotic fluid contained within the sac then begins to leak out via the cervix and vagina. Once the waters have broken, the maternity unit should be contacted. At times, there may be conditions which cause a woman to have more or less than normal amounts of amniotic fluid.

Oligohydramnios is the presence of too little amniotic fluid, whereas polyhydramnios — also referred to as hydramnios or amniotic fluid disorder — is the presence of excess fluid. On the next page , we look in more detail at oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, the condition that is also known as amniotic fluid disorder. Oligohydramnios is present when the amniotic fluid index AFI seen on ultrasound measures less than 5 cm a normal index is cm and the maximum vertical pocket MVP is less than 2 cm.

This may be evident in cases of leaking fluid from a tear in the amniotic membranes, measuring small for a certain stage of pregnancy or if the fetus is not moving as much as it would be expected to.

Oligohydramnios may also occur in women with a history of any of the following medical conditions: 3. 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. Amniotic fluid is responsible for :. Normally, the level of amniotic fluid is at its highest around 36 of pregnancy, measuring around 1 quart. This level decreases as birth nears. When the waters break, the amniotic sac tears. The amniotic fluid contained within the sac then begins to leak out via the cervix and vagina.

The waters usually break toward the end of the first stage of labor. When this happens, it is time to contact the health provider as delivery may be imminent. Polyhydramnios, also referred to as hydramnios or amniotic fluid disorder, is when there is too much fluid. Low levels of amniotic fluid, referred to as oligohydramnios, occur in 4 percent of all pregnancies and 12 percent of post-date pregnancies.

Oligohydramnios is present when the amniotic fluid index AFI seen on ultrasound measures less than 5 cm a normal index is cm and the maximum vertical pocket MVP is less than 2 cm. This may be evident in cases of leaking fluid from a tear in the amniotic membranes, measuring small for a certain stage of pregnancy or if the fetus is not moving as much as it would be expected to.

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. Ambassadors Ambassadors Celebrity Advocate Council. Mission stories Spotlights Impact Stories. Amniotic fluid. E-mail to a friend Please fill in all fields. Please enter a valid e-mail address. Thank you! Your e-mail was sent. Save to my dashboard Sign in or Sign up to save this page. Saving Just a moment, please. You've saved this page It's been added to your dashboard.

In This Topic. How does amniotic fluid keep your baby healthy? How much amniotic fluid should there be? Does the color of amniotic fluid mean anything? Last reviewed: September, Prepare for a healthy pregnancy and baby this year. Help save lives every month Give monthly and join the fight for the health of moms and babies. Donate your birthday Create a Facebook fundraiser to let friends and family know you're donating your birthday so more babies can have theirs. Week by week Learn how your baby grows each week during pregnancy.

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