Amniotic Fluid
Babies grow within an amniotic sac (or amnion) within a pregnant mother’s womb and the liquid within this amniotic sac is amniotic fluid. The fluid surrounds the foetus while it grows and it is there to perform several duties.
One of the most important purposes of amniotic fluid is to protect the baby from harm, as it is encapsulated in a pressurised ‘bubble’ of fluid. Amniotic fluid contains a high amount of genetic tissues and these can be tested by scientists and studied to determine the mental and physical health of the growing child.
Amniotic fluid is incredibly nourishing for a foetus and it contains proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The amount of amniotic fluid in an amniotic sac also increases as the baby grows and it can actually be as much as 800ml at 34 weeks of pregnancy. Interestingly, amniotic fluid is constantly ‘breathed’ in and out by the foetus and also continually swallowed and urinated, which is essential for the lungs of a baby to develop properly. Amniotic fluid also helps to protect an unborn baby from losing much needed heat in the event that the temperature drops and amniotic fluid is the ‘water’ when a pregnant woman’s ‘water breaks’.
The process of collecting and testing samples taken from amniotic fluid is called amniocentesis (or prenatal testing) and it involves a needle being inserted through the wall of the mother's abdomen and in to the amniotic sac. Usually, a sample of 20mls of fluid is taken and then the puncture in the amniotic sac heals and the sac refills in a few days. There are risks involved in the procedure and advice should be sought if considering a prenatal paternity test.
