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 Question: How much amniotic fluid is released when a pregnant woman's "water breaks"?

  • A. 1 cup
  • B. 2-5 cups
  • C. 1 gallon
  • D. Nothing at all
 
Answer: B  & Sometimes D
 

Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.


Information


While in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid constantly moves (circulates) as the baby swallows and "inhales" the fluid, and then releases it.
The amniotic fluid helps:

  • • The developing baby to move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth
  • • The lungs to develop properly
  • • Keep a relatively constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss
  • • Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements

An excessive amount of amniotic fluid is called polyhydramnios. This condition can occur with multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets), congenital anomalies (problems that exist when the baby is born), or gestational diabetes.
An abnormally small amount of amniotic fluid is known as oligohydramnios. This condition may occur with late pregnancies, ruptured membranes, placental dysfunction, or fetal abnormalities.

 

Sources

 

  1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002220.htm

Ross MG, Ervin MG, Novak D. Fetal physiology. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 2.
Gilbert WM. Amniotic fluid disorders. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 31.

 

Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Fetal growth and development. In: Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2010:chap 4.

 

For more information, go to everymothercounts.org

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