In this article:
What Is Amniotic Fluid?
Amniotic fluid is mainly water, but it also contains nutrients, hormones, and antibodies that help protect and nourish your baby. Early in pregnancy, the amniotic sac and your baby's cells produce the amniotic fluid. Later, as the mid-trimester organs of the baby, especially the kidneys and urinary system, develop, the baby begins to urinate, contributing to the fluid's volume.The fluid is important because it:
- Cushions the baby from pressure outside or mild injuries.
- Assures that the baby inhales and exhales the liquid, putting more pressure on lung development.
- Acts as a heat regulator inside the womb.
- Acts as a barrier to infection between the baby and the outside world.
How Fluid Levels Change During Pregnancy?
Ultrasonography is used to assess the level of amniotic fluid volume, which your doctor may refer to as the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or the Single Deepest Pocket (SDP). Levels of the fluid usually change as follows:- First trimester: Small levels of amniotic fluid increase gradually. Your baby is very tiny during this stage, and the fluid is mostly water to facilitate growth and movement.
- Second trimester: The amniotic fluid level increases as your baby grows. After this point, amniotic fluid volume usually peaks around the 20-week mark as the baby's kidneys begin producing urine, which significantly contributes to overall volume.
- Third Trimester: As a general rule, fluid levels are found to start decreasing after approximately 34 weeks. This is normal, as the baby occupies more space in the womb and the placenta’s contribution slightly declines.
Why Fluid Levels Can Be Higher or Lower Than Normal?
Fluid levels may be lower (oligohydramnios) or higher (polyhydramnios) than expected. These conditions require monitoring but are not always dangerous.There are many causes of increased fluid levels (polyhydramnios):
- Gestational diabetes: When you have high blood sugar levels, your baby may produce more urine.
- Multiple pregnancies: Having twins or triplets can increase the overall volume of fluids.
- Foetal anomalies: There may be conditions affecting your baby's ability to swallow or process fluids.
- Idiopathic (no obvious cause): Sometimes the doctor won't find a specific cause, and the fluid levels will correct themselves over time.
What Are Some Of The Reasons for Lower Fluid Levels (Oligohydramnios)?
- Dehydration: Amniotic fluid can decrease temporarily if you are not consuming enough fluids.
- Issues with the placenta: If the placenta is not delivering maternal nutrients or blood, fluid may decrease.
- Ruptured membranes: Even small leaks in amniotic fluid can decrease levels.
- Post-term pregnancy: After 40 weeks, fluid levels can decrease slightly.
What Your Doctor Does to Monitor Fluid Levels?
During prenatal visits, doctors check amniotic fluid by:- Ultrasound scans: To get measurements on AFI/SDP.
- Fundal height measurement: Measuring the top of the uterus for the growth track.
- Doppler studies: To assess blood flow and confirm that the baby is receiving adequate nutrition.
- Ultrasounds are more frequently used to follow the trend.
- Maternal hydration, when levels are slightly low.
- Blood sugar testing is recommended when levels are high for gestational diabetes, especially.
- Early delivery when fluid levels are either dangerously low or high near term.
How Can You Support Healthy Fluid Levels?
The factors influencing amniotic fluid may or may not be controlled by you. Therefore, depending on the circumstances, you should take the following measures that would help maintain normal levels:- Stay hydrated: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure water daily. Proper hydration maintains optimal fluid volume.
- Balanced diet: Your placenta and eventually your baby will receive good nutritional support.
- Do not miss any prenatal appointments: Fluid level monitoring helps facilitate early intervention whenever any changes occur.
- Control your chronic conditions: When you have diabetes or hypertension, maintain good control of the conditions with your doctor.
- Avoiding substances: Smoking, drinking, and some drugs are possible factors that can cause changes in amniotic fluid and adversely affect the fetus.
If you notice sudden changes such as leaking fluid or a significant drop in your baby's movements, contact your doctor immediately. Their top priority is to keep both you and your baby safe.
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FAQs on Why Fluid Levels Around the Baby Change During Pregnancy
- Can I increase amniotic fluid levels naturally?
Consuming additional fluids, or being hydrated, will generally reverse low fluid levels, and your health care practitioner may be able to give you more personalised advice based on your situation. - What causes too much amniotic fluid?
Polyhydramnios or too much amniotic fluid may happen because of gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancies, or fetal conditions. In some cases, there is no identifiable cause. - How often are fluid levels checked during pregnancy?
Fluid levels are typically monitored at routine ultrasounds from the second trimester through the third trimester. If abnormalities are noticed, your doctor may monitor you more closely.