There are at least 7 Function of Fetal Water for the Fetus

Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb during pregnancy. Some functions of amniotic water are protecting the fetus from injury, infection, while providing space for the fetus to grow and develop properly. Amniotic water begins to be produced after the amniotic sac is formed, which is about 12 days after fertilization. Amniotic fluid first consists of maternal body fluids. Then at about 20 weeks' gestation, amniotic fluid is dominated by urine released by the fetus. The amniotic water is clear yellowish and odorless. Its composition consists of hormones, nutrients, cells supporting the immune system, and fetal urine. With amniotic fluid the fetus learns to breathe, swallow, and move.

Function of amniotic fluid for the fetus

Here are some of the functions of amniotic fluid for babies in the womb:

1. Protect the fetus from impact

The first function of amniotic fluid is to protect the fetus from impact and external pressure, for example when a pregnant woman falls or bumps on her stomach.

2. Give space

The amniotic fluid also provides space for the fetus to move, and keeps the umbilical cord from being squeezed between the fetus and the uterine wall.

3. Prevent infection

Amniotic fluid works to prevent infection in the fetus. The content of cells that make up the body's immune system in the amniotic fluid works to fight incoming infections.

4. Make the fetus comfortable

Amniotic fluid ensures that the condition of the uterus remains warm and comfortable for the fetus. The temperature of the amniotic fluid is usually slightly warmer than the mother's body, which is around 37.5 degrees Celsius.

5. Supports lung development

The fetus does not breathe by inhalation, but instead swallows the amniotic fluid. This activity begins when the womb is 10-11 weeks old. At 32 weeks' gestation, the fetus begins to practice breathing by inflating the lungs. The baby's lungs are considered mature at 36 weeks' gestation.

6. Supports the development of the digestive system

The fetus learns to swallow by drinking amniotic fluid. The water is then released as fetal urine to maintain the stability of the amount of amniotic water. A fetus that has difficulty swallowing amniotic fluid will cause too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). This can indicate the existence of digestive abnormalities in the fetus.

7. Supports the development of muscles and bones

The amniotic sac provides space for the fetus to move. This activity supports the development of fetal muscles and bones.

Abnormalities in Amniotic Water Amount

The amount of amniotic fluid tends to increase with increasing gestational age, and reaches its highest point around 36 weeks' gestation. After that, the amniotic fluid volume will go down as labor approaches. Normal amniotic water volume is as follows:

• 60 milliliters (ml) when the womb is 12 weeks old.
• 175 ml at 16 weeks' gestation.
• 400-1200 ml at weeks 34-38.
• 600 ml at gestational age

It is important to know whether the amount of amniotic fluid is appropriate for the gestational age. Deficiency or excess of amniotic water is equally risky. Deficiency of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) can be caused by congenital abnormalities in the fetus, placental abnormalities, premature rupture of membranes, and pregnancy beyond HPL (day of estimated birth). In addition, pregnancy complications, such as dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, and diabetes, can also cause oligohydramnios. While excess amniotic water (polyhydramnios) can be caused by genetic abnormalities in the fetus, gestational diabetes, twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), rhesus mismatch between maternal and fetal blood, and fetal heart abnormalities. Given the importance of the function of amniotic fluid for the fetus, make sure the amount matches the gestational age. Don't forget to consult regularly with your obstetrician so that the pregnancy lasts healthy until the day of delivery.