AMNIOTIC
FLUID
CHAPTER 14
,PHYSIOLOGY
• Amniotic fluid
• Provides protective cushion for fetus
• Allows fetal movement
• Stabilizes fetal temperature exposure
• Permits proper lung development
• Exchanges water and chemicals among the fluid, fetus,
and maternal circulation
,
, PHYSIOLOGY (CONT’D)
• Volume:
• Production – fetal urine, lung fluid, and maternal circulation
• Increased amniotic fluid from 35 mL to 1 L in the third trimester is the
result of fetal urine
• Increased urine is regulated by increased fetal swallowing
• Lung fluid adds lung surfactants to amniotic fluid; used as a measure of
lung maturity
FLUID
CHAPTER 14
,PHYSIOLOGY
• Amniotic fluid
• Provides protective cushion for fetus
• Allows fetal movement
• Stabilizes fetal temperature exposure
• Permits proper lung development
• Exchanges water and chemicals among the fluid, fetus,
and maternal circulation
,
, PHYSIOLOGY (CONT’D)
• Volume:
• Production – fetal urine, lung fluid, and maternal circulation
• Increased amniotic fluid from 35 mL to 1 L in the third trimester is the
result of fetal urine
• Increased urine is regulated by increased fetal swallowing
• Lung fluid adds lung surfactants to amniotic fluid; used as a measure of
lung maturity
