Recently, Clove Mother was asked an interesting question:
Why is amniotic fluid [amniotic fluid], not [ox water], [pig water], [dog water]?
Don’t say, clove mother is also very confused about this. Today we invited teacher Li Shan to tell you why amniotic fluid is called [amniotic fluid] and what is its use.
Why is it called [amniotic fluid]?
The term “amniotic fluid” originated in ancient times, but there are many specific explanations.
Explanation 1: In ancient times, people used sheep intestines as medical equipment. After a woman gave birth, the envelope wrapped around the baby looked like sheep intestines. Therefore, ancient doctors called the amniotic membrane the source and called the liquid wrapped in the amniotic membrane amniotic fluid.
Explanation 2: Sheep represent nourishment, beauty and good luck in Chinese culture. [nourishment], [beauty], [auspiciousness] and [freshness] all carry sheep. [amniotic fluid] means water to nourish babies.
In fact, no matter how many explanations there are, [amniotic fluid] is just a name. What we really understand should be amniotic fluid itself.
What’s in the amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid, which exists in amniotic cavity during pregnancy, is an indispensable part of fetal survival and development.
The composition of amniotic fluid is 98% water, in addition, there are a small amount of inorganic salts, exfoliated fetal cells and some organic matters. In the early pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from embryo plasma components, and in the middle and late stages, fetal excretion of urine, respiratory secretions, gastrointestinal swallowing, etc. will participate in the formation and regulation of amniotic fluid.
What’s the use of amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid is water, but it is not just water. In addition, it is also:
[Intrauterine Air Conditioning]: Amniotic fluid can stabilize the intrauterine temperature and give the fetus a suitable and stable growth environment. Water space can make the fetus move smoothly and prevent fetal limb development malformation caused by insufficient space.
[Luxury buffer]: Pregnancy amniotic fluid can protect the fetus, for external pressure and impact has a buffer effect, to avoid and reduce the damage of the fetus. When the baby waved hands and feet in the uterus, amniotic fluid can reduce the discomfort of the mother. When giving birth, uterine contraction, amniotic fluid can also buffer the compression of uterine contraction to the fetus.
[Natural bacteriostatic water]: Amniotic fluid contains some bacteriostatic substances, which can reduce infection during pregnancy.
[Delivery Lubricant]: Amniotic fluid during delivery has a certain lubricating effect on the birth canal, which can help the fetal head to descend and the fetus to be delivered more easily. It can also ease the expansion of cervix.
Amniotic fluid volume is abnormal, what should I do?
The amount of amniotic fluid varies with gestational age. Generally speaking, the normal amount is between 300 and 2000 milliliters.
Checking whether the fetus has malformation is an important factor in judging how to take the next step when the amniotic fluid volume is abnormal.
Once the fetus is found to be abnormal, the pregnancy should be terminated as soon as possible.
If no fetal abnormality is found, the cause needs to be further investigated:
1. When amniotic fluid is excessive
There are treatments for gestational diabetes mellitus and blood pressure reduction for gestational hypertension. If it is caused by blood type incompatibility between the mother and the fetus, intrauterine blood transfusion can be implemented when necessary.
2. Oligohydramnios
It is necessary to increase the amount of fluid infusion and improve placental function at the same time.
Be sure to pay attention to the situation of the fetus at any time. Pregnant women can count their own fetal movements, cooperate with B-ultrasound and fetal heart monitoring, and closely observe the intrauterine situation of the fetus. The fetus of full-term pregnancy, once there are signs of hypoxia, must terminate the pregnancy in time.
If the fetus is not yet full-term and the fetal lung is not yet mature, expectant therapy to increase amniotic fluid can be carried out to prolong the pregnancy period as much as possible and give the fetus enough time for further development.
I have to say that amniotic fluid is a real [precious water]. Compared with what’s fairy water and what’s primordial water, its function and importance are [higher than N floors]. It is no exaggeration to say that it is [water of life].