Amniotic Cavity
Amniotic cavity is also known as uterine cavity, in which fetus is present during pregnancy.
Inside these amniotic cavity a fluid is filled which is known as amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid is a transparent watery fluid in which fetus keeps floating during pregnant life.
This amniotic fluid is very important for both mother and fetus.
Composition Of Amniotic Fluid
• Water 98-99 %
• White blood cells & antibodies
• Desidual bits
• Remains/ parts of vernix
• Minerals such as Na, K
• Nutrients such as glucose, protein
• Metabolic waste such as uric acid urea.
Function Of Amniotic Fluid
(A). During pregnancy
(B). During labour
(A). During pregnancy
• Amniotic fluid provides protection to the fetus from external shock.
• Amniotic fluid provides protection to fetus from internal friction.
• Amniotic fluid does maintain constant temperature of 37.5 °C of intrauterine cavity.
• Amniotic fluid does also provides nutrition to fetus in small quantity.
• Amniotic fluid protect fetus from infection.
(B). During labour
• Amniotic fluid does help in cervical dilation during labour.
• Amniotic fluid does sterile birth canal during labour.
• Amniotic fluid does maintain glossyness of birth canal during labour, so delivery of fetal becomes easier.
Amount Of Amniotic Fluid
• 12 week - 50 ml
• 20 week - 400 ml
• 28 week - 800 ml
• 32 week - 1000 ml
• 42 week - 400 - 500 ml
• At term 700 - 800 ml
Production Of Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid is actually collected in amniotic cavity as a contribution of different sources. Important sources of amniotic fluid are as follows
• Amniotic fluid is produced by cells of amnion membrane
• Exudate from fetal skin
• Fetal urine
• As a exudate from blood capillaries of mother via decidua.
Abnormal Colour Of Amniotic Fluid
Usually amniotic fluid is colourless, but sometime it may show abnormal colour which indicates any type of abnormality. Some of the abnormal colour of amniotic fluid are as follows
• If amniotic fluid colour is greenish then it indicates presence of meconium, in it which is a sign of fetal distress.
• If amniotic fluid coloured is saffron then it indicates post maturity.
• If amniotic fluid coloured is dark chocolate, brown then it indicates intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) of fetus.
• If amniotic fluid is black, then it indicates intrauterine death.
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