Amniotic fluid problems that can affect the baby's condition

Amniotic fluid is an important part of supporting fetal growth and development. However, there are several problems with amniotic fluid that can occur due to various factors. The following is a complete explanation of the problem of amniotic fluid that is often experienced by pregnant women.

Amniotic fluid problems that may occur

Basically, amniotic fluid has the highest volume at 34-36 weeks of gestation, the average volume is 800 ml.

Then, the volume decreases as gestational age approaches birth. Amniotic fluid volume averages 600 ml at 40 weeks of gestation.

If the amniotic fluid is too much or too little, it can cause complications for pregnant women and babies. In addition to the volume of amniotic fluid, bacterial infection is also a problem with amniotic fluid that can be experienced by pregnant women. Here's the explanation.

1. Oligohydramnios, too little amniotic fluid problem

Pregnant women may have less amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios). When the amniotic fluid leaks, the uterus is smaller for gestational age and doesn't feel much movement of the baby.

Pregnant women are more likely to experience oligohydramnios if:

The amniotic sac membrane sheds, breaks, or leaks before birth
Placenta problems
Hypertension during pregnancy
Preeclampsia
Diabetes
Fetal abnormalities, such as birth defects (especially in kidney and urinary tract disorders)
Multiple pregnancy

Carrying multiple fetuses allows pregnant women to experience oligohydramnios because one fetus can experience fluid overload, while the other is dehydrated.

What happens if you have less amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid is important for the development of the fetal organs, especially the lungs. If the amniotic fluid is too little for a long time, it can cause fetal development problems. Especially an abnormal lung condition called pulmonary hypoplasia.

A lower volume of amniotic fluid makes pregnant women more at risk of complications during delivery, such as compression of the umbilical cord and aspiration of meconium.

This low volume of amniotic fluid can limit the baby's movement. Babies can also be stressed because of tight space. This can lead to the formation of abnormalities in the fetus.

You should always have your pregnancy checked, especially if you find less amniotic fluid. Routine checks are needed to make sure the baby in the womb can grow normally.

If you experience a lack of amniotic fluid nearing the time of birth, it may be labor, will be induced or you may experience premature birth. Especially if you have severe preeclampsia or your baby doesn't develop in the womb.

If a normal delivery is dangerous for a baby who lacks amniotic fluid, pregnant women will be recommended to give birth by caesarean section.

2. Polyhydramnios, too much amniotic fluid

If you have more amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), one sign is that the uterus is expanding faster than it should, making it look bigger.

Pregnant women may experience abdominal discomfort, back pain, shortness of breath, uterine contractions, and swelling of the feet and wrists.

Polyhydramnios is more likely to occur if you have:

Gestational diabetes
Multiple pregnancy
Fetal genetic abnormalities
Other causes such as infection due to Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasmosis, and Syphilis
Fetal abnormalities

The condition of the fetus makes it difficult for the fetus to swallow fluids but the kidneys continue to produce fluids. For example, pyloric stenosis, cleft lip or palate, fetal digestive system disorders, and birth defects.

What happens if I have more amniotic fluid?

Pregnant women who experience this amniotic fluid problem will be closely monitored considering the higher risk of preterm birth or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

In addition, doctors will be more careful when undergoing labor. At the time of delivery, pregnant women have the possibility to experience umbilical cord prolapse (the umbilical cord becomes loose when it passes through the cervical opening).

Both of these conditions require pregnant women to give birth by caesarean section. Not only that, you are at risk for postpartum bleeding.

If you experience polyhydramnios, discuss with your obstetrician what needs to be done to prevent complications that may occur.

3. Chorioamnionitis, a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid

Quoting from Stanford Children Health, chorioamnionitis (chorioamnionitis) is an infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid. Although not many have this, chorioamnionitis is the most common cause of preterm birth.

Chorioamnionitis is most often caused by bacteria found in the vagina, anus, and anus. The bacteria that usually cause this infection are E. coli bacteria, the B streptococcal group of bacteria, and anaerobic bacteria.

This is more common when the amniotic sac ruptures prematurely and allows bacteria present in the vagina to ascend to the uterus.

This amniotic fluid problem may not always show signs, but some pregnant women with chorioamnionitis can show the following signs.

Fever
Heart beats fast
The uterus hurts
Bad smell of amniotic fluid

If pregnant women experience signs of chorioamnionitis, such as tachycardia, fever, or unusual vaginal discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor.

What is amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid is a slightly yellowish colored fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus. Amniotic fluid appears 12 days after conception.

Then around 20 weeks of gestation, the amniotic fluid is replaced with fetal urine which is swallowed and excreted again by the fetus's body, and so on.

Apart from fetal urine, amniotic fluid also contains nutrients, hormones, and antibodies to fight infection. Infection is a problem of amniotic fluid that needs special handling.

If the color of the amniotic fluid is slightly greenish or brownish when the baby is born, this is a sign that the baby has defecated for the first time before birth.

This can be a problem of amniotic fluid known as meconium aspiration syndrome.

This is a respiratory problem that occurs when meconium (baby's first stool) enters the lungs of the baby in the womb. After birth, babies with these problems need special care.

Amniotic fluid has many functions for babies. Some of the functions of amniotic fluid are:

Protects the fetus from external pressure, as a cushion for the fetus
Helps control the baby's temperature so that he always feels warm
Protects babies from infection because it also contains antibodies
Helps the development of the muscles in the digestive and respiratory systems as the baby breathes and swallows amniotic fluid
Helps the development of muscles and bones
Help baby free to move.
Prevents pressure on the umbilical cord so that food and oxygen can be delivered to the fetus smoothly.

Healthy amniotic fluid helps support the growth and development of a healthy baby in the womb.