Amniotic Fluid Around Baby

Amniotic fluide surround a baby in the womb

Educational Series: Amniotic membranes/fluid

Amniotic fluide surround a baby in the wombAs you can see, the amniotic fluid cushions the baby when contractions/birthing waves begin. This helps baby handle waves easier and you to have more comfort at the cervix. 🙂

According to the National Library of Medicine, “The amniotic fluid helps the developing baby to move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth, the lungs to develop properly, and prevents pressure on the umbilical cord. While in the womb, the baby floats in the fluid. The amount of  fluid is greatest at about 34 weeks (gestation) into the pregnancy, when it averages 800 mL. About 600 mL of  fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation). The fluid constantly moves (circulates) as the baby swallows and “inhales” the fluid, and then releases it. The amniotic fluid helps:

  • The developing baby to move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth
  • The lungs to develop properly
  • Prevents pressure on the umbilical cord
  • Keep a constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss
  • Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements”

For more information on amniotic fluid and issues such a oligohydramnios (too little fluid) and polyhydramnios (too much fluid) CLICK HERE