Amniotic fluid

 amniotic fluid
The fluid medium in which the fetus grows and develops
inside the uterus.
Functions of amniotic fluid

During pregnancy
Acts as a shock absorber protecting the fetus from the
possible extraneous injury
Maintains even temperature
Fluid distends the amniotic sac and there by allows for
growth and free movement  of the fetus
It helps to prevent adhesion between the fetal parts and
Amniotic sac.
Its nutritive value is negligible as there is only small
amount of  protein and salt. (water supply is quite
adequate)
During labour
Amnion and chorion combined to form hydrostatic
wedge which helps in the dilation the uterine os and
effacement of cervix.
During U C it prevent marked interferance with the
placental circulation so long as the membranes remains
intact.
Flushes the birth canal at the end of the first stage of
labour.
Antiseptic and bactericidal action protects the fetus from
the ascending infection.
origin
Fetal and maternal.
It is secreted by amnion especially the part covering
the placenta and umbilical cord.
Transudate from maternal serum across the fetal
membranes or from the maternal circulation.
Transudate of fetal plasma through highly permeable
fetal skin before it is keratinized at 20th week.
Fetal urine also contributes to the volume from
10th week. (water of the A F is exchanged every 3 hrs.)
Clinical importance
As a measure of fetal wellbeing
Normal amount at term approximately 1000ml
If more than 2000-polyhydramnios
If less than 200 ml-oligohydramnios
Volume of A F
50 ml at 12th  week.
400 ml at 20th week.
Reaches the peak amount at 36 to 38th  week –that is
approximately 1000ml.
Thereafter amount diminishes at term the it measures
about600 to 800 ml.
Chemical property
Faintly alkaline with low specific gravity.of 1.010.
 
Colour
Straw coloured(exfoliated epidermal cells and lanugo)
Turbid (presence of vernix caseosa)