
Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is the most common parameter to measure the quantity of this fluid.

Different methods have been adopted by the doctors to measure the amount of this fluid.

When the mother has little amniotic fluid in the womb for the baby, it is known as oligohydramnios. Again, when the fluid is present in excessive quantities, it is known as polyhydramnios. In particular cases, the quantity of fluid may turn up to be too low. The baby can tumble over with the help of this fluid and the mother feels these movements. During this time, it swallows a certain amount of amniotic fluid. The baby starts breathing in the second trimester. Later, foetal urine makes up this fluid for the next 20 weeks.Īmniotic fluid helps the baby to grow and easily move within the womb. In the initial days, it is made up of water, from the body of the mother. This happens around twelve days after the conception. The fluid is produced as soon as the amniotic sac is formed. In a nutshell, it arranges living conditions for the child during the pregnancy days of the mother. It helps in the development of limbs, muscles, digestive system and lungs of the child. Considering its role in the life support system of the child during the pre-delivery days, it is of vital importance. The amniotic fluid protects the baby when it stays in the womb of the mother. Read on for more details on the causes of low amniotic fluid. If the levels of this fluid dip, there can be developmental issues in the unborn child.
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It is the amniotic fluid that keeps the baby safe and creates an environment for the baby to grow and thrive. Low amniotic fluid can be dangerous in a pregnancy. Some of the main causes for low amniotic fluid during pregnancy includes breakage of water bag, problems in the placenta, certain medication, complications with identical twins health issues with the baby and chronic hypoxia to name a few.
