Causes of excessive or insufficient amniotic fluid and mortality from amniotic fluid embolism

Amniotic fluid is an important shelter for the growth of the fetus after the mother becomes pregnant. Amniotic fluid plays a very important role in the growth and development of the fetus. So what effect does too much or too little amniotic fluid have on the fetus? How terrible is amniotic fluid embolism? Amniotic fluid is initially produced by the mother and later secreted by the fetus' respiratory tract. Amniotic fluid can protect the fetus. Because it contains a lot of fetal dandruff and secretions, the growth of the fetus can also be checked through the amniotic fluid. What does too much or too little amniotic fluid mean?

What is amniotic fluid?

Of the cell body formed after the sperm and egg combine, part of it forms the amnion and placenta, and the other part forms the fetus. The amnion will form the amniotic sac to cover the fetus and exist in the mother's belly. In addition to the fetus, the fluid surrounding the amniotic sac is called amniotic fluid.

In the early stages of pregnancy, amniotic fluid comes from the mother's blood and tissue fluid. As the pregnancy gets longer, the fetus' respiratory tract will also secrete fluid to increase the amniotic fluid, and its urine will also be the reason for the increase in amniotic fluid. Some fetuses will defecate in the amniotic fluid early, which is called meconium. This phenomenon may cause the fetus to develop "meconium aspiration syndrome", leading to respiratory obstruction, inflammatory reactions, or hindering alveolar expansion. It is very dangerous for the fetus. If you encounter this situation, the solution is recommended for mothers: What is meconium aspiration syndrome?

What are the functions of amniotic fluid

1. Chromosome examination medium: Amniotic fluid contains many cells shed from the fetus, including cells from the skin, upper respiratory tract, oral mucosa, upper digestive tract, urinary tract, etc. Therefore, by taking advantage of this, amniotic fluid can be taken to perform fetal cell chromosome examination.

2. Fetal activity space: In the amniotic cavity in the uterus, the survival and activity of the fetus are restricted to a certain extent, and the amniotic fluid in the amniotic cavity can expand the space inside the cavity a little, so that the fetus can move and stretch its body inside.

3. A buffer between the fetus and the uterus: When the uterus contracts or is impacted by external forces, amniotic fluid can act as a buffer to protect the fetus and prevent it from being directly harmed.

4. Regulate fetal body temperature: The exchange rate between maternal blood and amniotic fluid is very fast, which can timely regulate the fetal body temperature and keep it at a certain temperature.

5. In addition, in the early stages of embryonic development, there is a period of material exchange on the skin, which is also the place where nutrition is provided, and the development and maturation of respiratory alveolar cells is also carried out with the help of the expansion of amniotic fluid.

Too much or too little amniotic fluid is not good

During routine prenatal checkups, you may hear doctors talk about too much or too little amniotic fluid. The cause of too much amniotic fluid may be gestational diabetes in the mother or congenital malformations of the fetus, which may be congenital central nervous system abnormalities, gastrointestinal tract dysplasia or cardiovascular abnormalities. Due to the incomplete development of the fetus, it is hindered to swallow and discharge amniotic fluid normally. Pregnant women with too much amniotic fluid will feel difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling and discomfort, and there is also the possibility of premature birth. It is recommended that pregnant women rest more or go to the hospital to extract the excess amniotic fluid, which can treat the problem of too much amniotic fluid.

The cause of oligohydramnios is also related to fetal abnormalities, the most common of which is insufficient development of fetal kidney function or problems with the urinary system; however, "early rupture of membranes" is also one of the causes of oligohydramnios.

Early rupture of water means that the pregnant woman's water breaks within "37 weeks" of pregnancy. Even if the water breaks early, it is necessary to seek medical advice on whether to give birth early or to maintain the pregnancy. It is possible for the amniotic membrane to heal. At this time, pregnant women can try to drink more water to replenish their body water and replenish the lost amniotic fluid, but the effect depends on the pregnant woman's own physical condition. During the repair period, it is recommended that pregnant women lie flat for as long as possible to help the body's immune system heal the amniotic membrane. Many mothers can't figure out whether it is rupture of water, secretions or urinary incontinence. We have detailed explanations in this article "High rupture of water, secretions or urinary incontinence? 3 tips to teach you how to distinguish!" Please be sure to understand.

How to prevent abnormal amniotic fluid volume

Regular check-ups are very important. Generally, check-ups should be done once a month during the 5th to 7th month of pregnancy; once every half a month during the 7th to 9th month of pregnancy; and once a week during the 9th month of pregnancy.

If you gave birth to a deformed baby in the previous pregnancy, you should pay close attention to the condition of the amniotic fluid. Sexual activity should be avoided in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. During pregnancy, you should take plenty of vitamins C and D to increase the toughness of the fetal membrane. If you find that your uterus is over-inflated, you have difficulty breathing, you cannot lie flat, your lower limbs are swollen, or you have varicose veins, please see a doctor.

Amniotic fluid embolism is terrible. Can it be cured?

Amniotic fluid embolism is a condition in which amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream, triggering a series of fatal allergic reactions. It usually occurs right after the baby is born, and the mother will bleed profusely. Even if a blood transfusion is given in time, it will be too late. The mortality rate is as high as over 90%, which is very dangerous.

However, the severity depends on the amount of amniotic fluid entering the mother's blood. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent or avoid amniotic fluid embolism. We can only pray that this will not happen to us.