Did you know your baby floats around in fluid all through pregnancy? Yes, a fetus is safe behind multiple layers of muscles, fat, and liquid, throughout the pregnancy. The amniotic fluid is the liquid or water that leaks before your baby is ready to come out into the world.
Read on to know everything about this fluid and how you can increase its level naturally.
Once conception happens successfully, the amniotic sac forms inside the uterus. This sac contains amniotic fluid and the baby develops inside this amniotic fluid. The fluid forms a protective shield around the baby throughout the pregnancy.
The amniotic fluid is a clear water-like substance that contains all the essential nutrients required by the baby throughout the pregnancy. The fetus will swallow this amniotic fluid and urinate it, which circulates back into the amniotic sac. This is an ongoing process throughout the pregnancy.
Provides a layer of protection and prevents infections from reaching the baby
Provides buoyancy for the baby’s movements
Aids in the healthy development of fetal bones and muscles by providing the essential nutrients
Keeps the umbilical cord afloat, thus effectively preventing any compression
Aids in the development of the baby’s respiratory and digestive system
Keeps the baby’s body temperature within ideal limits
Cushions the baby against a fall or hit to the stomach
Risks of Low Amniotic Fluid
When the amniotic fluid levels are very low for a pregnant woman, it is known as oligohydramnios. The best course of action in such a situation is to find the top maternity hospital and consult gynecologist for the best possible solution,
Some of the common causes for low amniotic fluid levels in a pregnant woman are:
You are a few days past the due date. Your fluids could be draining, getting your body ready to push the baby out into the world.
You are suffering from High Blood pressure
The membrane ruptured early
There is some problem with the placenta that requires medical attention
The baby’s growth is restricted
You are carrying more than one baby in the womb.
If your amniotic fluid is leaking or the scan reports low amniotic fluids, you may experience any of the following complications:
Preterm birth
Miscarriage
Birth defects in the baby
Infections (for the baby)
Stillbirth
How to Increase Amniotic Fluid?
If you are suffering from low amniotic fluid, you need to see the gynecologist and find ways to increase the amniotic fluid in the safest way possible. Here are 10 ways to increase it before it can affect your baby:
Increase Water Intake – The best way to increase the low amniotic fluid levels is by drinking more water. If the scans show your amniotic fluid level is low, your doctor will ask you to drink more water. Pregnant women, in general, are advised to drink more fluids to ensure the amniotic fluid levels are maintained.
Rest – Reducing your physical exertion and increasing your rest can reduce the leak that is decreasing your amniotic fluid level.
Amnioinfusion – In this method, the doctor injects a saline solution through the cervix, into the amniotic sac. This will, in turn, increase the amniotic fluid level temporarily. Though not a permanent solution, it can help improve the baby’s environment in the uterus and make them more visible on an ultrasound.
Medication – Your doctor might prescribe medications to treat underlying health conditions that are causing dehydration and reducing amniotic fluid in the uterus.
IV Fluids – If the amniotic fluid is low due to dehydration, the best and the quickest way to restore the levels is through IV fluids. If you are suffering from nausea and morning sickness, that is preventing you from eating well and staying hydrated, injecting IV fluids can increase the amniotic fluid.
Treating Pre- existing Condition – Pre-existing health conditions such as gestational diabetes or gestational hypertension can cause the amniotic fluid levels to decrease. Treating this underlying health condition can help restore the fluid levels in the uterus.
Close Monitoring – In some cases, when the the doctor is unable to identify the cause and treat the reason for low amniotic fluid, they will closely monitor the pregnant woman. They will regularly check the fluid levels to ensure it does not dip too much. Though this may not help increase the amniotic fluid levels, it will ensure timely intervention in the form of delivery.
Change in Diet – Increasing your intake of watery foods can help increase the fluid levels in the body. This can, in turn, increase hydration and amniotic fluid levels.
Injecting Fluid – During delivery or a scan, if the doctor is unable to see the baby clearly die to low amniotic fluid, they will inject fluid into the amniotic sac. This will help them see the baby clearly for a short while, to make a decision about what to do next.
Early Delivery – If the fetus is already 36 or 37 weeks old, the best treatment option for low amniotic fluid is to deliver the baby. The baby has reached full maturity and is ready to be born. Rather than taking a risk with low amniotic fluid, the doctor will induce labour and take the baby out before any complications arise.
Conclusion
Low amniotic fluid is not something to ignore. You need adequate monitoring to help you keep your baby safe throughout the pregnancy. You should seek immediate help if your scans show low amniotic fluid.
FAQs
1. What happens if water is less in the womb?
If you are close to your full pregnancy term, the doctor may plan delivery. If it is still too early in your pregnancy, your doctor might try other ways to increase your amniotic fluid levels. Low amniotic fluid is not safe for the fetus.
2. Is normal delivery possible if the water level is low?
Yes, if the amniotic fluid decreases towards the end of pregnancy when it is time for delivery, a normal delivery is still possible.
3. What is the reason for less water in the uterus?
There are many reasons for amniotic fluid levels to drop during pregnancy. It could be due to dehydration, amniotic fluid leak, or other underlying health conditions.
4. Can a baby survive with low amniotic fluid?
Yes, under close monitoring and proper medical care, a baby can continue to survive in the womb with low amniotic fluid.
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