Amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid surrounds an embryo or fetus within the amniotic sac. It cushions the fetus and supports movement, growth, and development.

Amniotic sac: The membrane-bound sac that encloses the embryo or fetus and contains amniotic fluid. This enclosing membrane holds the fluid and separates the amniotic cavity from surrounding tissues.
Amniocentesis: A prenatal procedure that withdraws a small sample of amniotic fluid through the abdominal wall. The sample can be analyzed for fetal genetic conditions, infection, or other clinical indications.
Fetal development: The growth and maturation of an organism before birth. Fluid volume and composition change alongside developing fetal organs and behavior.
Pulmonary hypoplasia: Incomplete development of the lungs, resulting in reduced lung size and function. Severe, prolonged oligohydramnios early in pregnancy can restrict lung development.
Amniotic fluid embolism pathophysiology: The proposed biological processes that produce the maternal collapse called amniotic fluid embolism. The emergency's name suggests a simple mechanical cause, but its underlying processes remain incompletely understood.
Fetal swallowing: The process by which a fetus swallows amniotic fluid and absorbs it through the digestive tract. Swallowing helps regulate fluid volume and contributes to fetal gastrointestinal development.
Amniotic fluid index: An ultrasound measure of amniotic fluid volume based on the depths of fluid pockets in the uterus. Clinicians use it to identify unusually low or high fluid volume.
Chorion: The outer fetal membrane that contributes to the fetal portion of the placenta. Its relationship with the inner amnion helps define the membranes surrounding the amniotic cavity.
Umbilical cord compression: Pressure on the umbilical cord that can reduce blood flow between fetus and placenta. Low fluid volume removes some cushioning around the cord and can increase compression during labor.
Amniotic fluid volume assessment: Clinical methods for estimating the amount of fluid in the amniotic cavity. Ultrasound estimates are useful but imperfect proxies for actual fluid volume.

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Renal agenesisRelated: Absent fetal kidneys can sharply reduce urine production and amniotic fluid volume.