Amniotic fluid plays a major role in fetal growth and
development. Abnormalities of fluid volume can interfere directly with fetal
development causing structural anomalies such as pulmonary hypoplasia, fetal
hypoxia, neural tube defect and gastrointestinal obstruction. Amniotic fluid
surrounds and protects the fetus in the amniotic cavity. It provides a cushion
against the constricting gravid uterus allowing the fetus room for movement,
growth and protecting it from external trauma. The space around the fetus is
necessary for the normal development, maturation of fetal lungs, and
development of limbs. Amniotic fluid plays a major role in the homeostasis of
fluid and electrolytes and fetal body temperature.
Early period of fetal
development a clear fluid collects in the amniotic cavity surrounding the
embryo. The amount increases rapidly with the growth of the fetal products,
averaging 50 ml at 12 weeks of pregnancy, 400 ml at 20 weeks of pregnancy.
During the last few week of pregnancy the volume of amniotic fluid usually
decreases.Composition Of Amniotic Fluid: Protein 0.5gm/100ml, Non
protein nitrogen 24 mg/100ml, Uric acid 4.5 mg/100ml, Sugar 19 mg/ 100ml,
Calcium 5.5 mg/100ml,Phosphorus 3.1mg/100ml.
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