The watery fluid filling the cavity created by the embryonic membranes (amnion and chorion) that surround the embryo or fetus. Following formation of the amniotic sac some 12 days after conception, it is produced by several sources, including a filtrate from maternal plasma, secretion by the amnion, and urination by the fetus. By the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, it contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids, urea and electrolytes. During the second trimester, the fetus ‘breathes’ in the fluid that then facilitates normal growth and the development of lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Failure to ingest amniotic fluid can lead to hydramnios, which is known to be a threat to the integrity of the developing fetus as, among other things, it can lead to cord prolapse. If the fluid is too low, then there is a risk of oligohydramnios. <\/p>\n
See Abruptio placentae, Amnion (or amniotic sac), Ascending genital tract infection, Cord prolapse, Electrolyte, Fetal breathing movements, Gustation, Hydramnios (or polyhydramnios), Karyotyping, Lipids, Oligohydramnios, Phospholipids<\/p>\n
<\/body><\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The watery fluid filling the cavity created by the embryonic membranes (amnion and chorion) that surround the embryo or fetus. Following formation of the amniotic sac some 12 days after conception, it is produced by several sources, including a filtrate from maternal plasma, secretion by the amnion, and urination by the fetus. By the end … <\/p>\n