Maxwell Adeyemi

AMNIOTIC FLUID is a protective water-like fluid that surrounds the foetus (baby) in the uterus (womb) throughout pregnancy and is contained within a casing called the amniotic membrane or sac. It is an essential component of pregnancy and foetal development. Amniotic fluid is mostly water in the early stages of pregnancy. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the amniotic fluid changes composition and serves new functions.

The foetus begins to inhale and swallow amniotic fluid, which aids in the development of the lungs and digestive system. When amniotic fluid is swallowed, it is digested by the developing gastrointestinal system of the foetus, and the byproducts are excreted in the foetal urine on a regular basis. The amniotic fluid contains less water and more foetal urine around week 20 of gestational age.

Amniotic fluid that women normally carry ranges in volume from 500 to 1,000 ml. The level may change depending on the mother, foetal weight, and gestational stage. However, throughout the pregnancy, the amount of amniotic fluid should remain above a set minimum. It guards against infection, prevents umbilical cord compression, helps the foetus develop its muscles and limbs, and cushions their movements while inside the uterus. It also maintains the foetus's temperature.

However, too little (oligohydramnios) or too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) in the uterus is linked to abnormalities in foetal development and may lead to pregnancy complications.

Oligohydramnios

Oligohydramnios is a pregnancy condition where there is insufficient amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus. Low amniotic fluid may indicate an underlying condition or contribute to foetal health issues. These conditions may impair a baby's growth or cause complications during labour and delivery.

Causes of oligohydramnios

* Placental abnormalities: When the placenta is unable to supply the foetus with enough blood and nutrients, the foetus stops recycling fluid, which may result in a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid.

* Leaking or rupture of foetal membranes: This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle of fluid in the foetal membranes due to tear or uterine rupture which may result in low amniotic fluid levels.

* Maternal health condition: A crucial component of the amniotic fluid is maternal water. Low amniotic fluid may be caused by the mother's health.

- Dehydration may lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor tissue perfusion, which may be harmful to the developing foetus and the pregnant woman's health.

- Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive condition that develops during pregnancy. Due to the placenta's and foetus's constrained blood supply, these conditions lead to a reduction in placental perfusion. This could cause the foetus to receive less oxygen and nutrients, which could lead to oligohydramnios.

- Maternal diabetes can cause the kidneys to work extra hard to filter and absorb the extra glucose that accumulates in the blood. Dehydration may result from the ex