My Low amniotic fluid...

Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds a baby in the womb. It plays a crucial role in a baby’s development. The fluid:

• Cushions and protects the baby
• Maintains a steady temperature around the baby
• Promotes growth and development of the lungs because the baby inhales the fluid into the lungs
• Promotes development of the gastrointestinal system because the baby swallows the fluid
• Promotes development of muscles and bones because the baby can move around
• Prevents compression of the umbilical cord, which could deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients

The amniotic sac that contains the baby and the fluid forms about 12 days after conception. Amniotic fluid immediately begins to fill the sac. In the early weeks of pregnancy, amniotic fluid consists mainly of water that comes from the mother. After about 20 weeks, the baby’s urine makes up most of the fluid. Amniotic fluid also contains nutrients, hormones and disease-fighting antibodies.

The amount of amniotic fluid increases until about 36 weeks of pregnancy, when it measures about 1 quart (1). After that time, the level of fluid generally begins to decrease.

In some pregnancies, there may be too little or too much amniotic fluid. Too little fluid is called oligohydramnios and too much is called polyhydramnios. Either condition can cause problems for mother and baby. Even with these conditions, though, most babies are born healthy. 

About 4 percent of pregnant women have oligohydramnios (3). It can develop at any time during pregnancy, although it is most common in the last trimester. 

The problems associated with oligohydramnios differ depending on the stage of the pregnancy. Oligohydramnios that occurs in the first two trimesters of pregnancy is more likely to cause serious problems than if it occurs in the last trimester.

Problems associated with early oligohydramnios include (1, 2):

• Birth defects: Having too little amniotic fluid early in pregnancy can compress fetal organs, resulting in lung and limb defects.
• Miscarriage: Miscarriage is the death of a baby in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Premature birth: This is birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.
• Stillbirth: Stillbirth is the death of a baby in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Oligohydramnios that occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy can contribute to:

• Poor fetal growth
• Complications of labor and birth, including compression of the umbilical cord: This can deprive the baby of oxygen, sometimes resulting in stillbirth.
• Increased risk of cesarean birth