The amniotic fluid found within the uterus of an unborn baby is the fluid generally associated with conception. However, the amniotic fluid can have other functions and may also have a role in the process of abortion. The amniotic fluid is essentially the colloidal form of the amniotic fluid found within the uterus. This fluid serves only to facilitate the passage of waste materials, fluid, and various other substances between the fetus and mother, but does not serve any other purpose. Learn more about amniotic fluid. It is used in the process of birth, to protect the fetus from infection, to nourish it during the critical first year of life, to maintain the health of the placenta, and to assist in the expulsion of its surplus milk.
During the initial trimester of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid thickens and is drained, usually by the maternal milk duct. By the end of the third trimester, this fluid begins to thin as the baby's weight increases. In some cases, the fetus is so small that the amniotic fluid cannot be drained completely. When this occurs, the doctor may recommend that the baby be delivered on its own or that the amniotic fluid is drained and replaced at a later time. The decision to deliver the baby by itself or to allow the baby to be delivered alone should always be made with the assistance of a licensed physician, unless there are compelling circumstances.
Occasionally, the placenta will not completely empty on its own, even after the amniotic fluid has been drained. This often occurs when the baby is still very small or when the cervix begins to enlarge too quickly. If this is the case, the doctor may recommend that an early delivery is scheduled. Delivering the baby before it is born can reduce the risk of premature labor or other complications. However, if the placenta is able to completely empty on its own after the 34th week of gestation, it is important to ensure that normal vaginal contractions continue to occur.
When delivery is successful, most of the amniotic fluid leaves the baby's uterus in the bowel on its own. This process takes one to two hours, depending on the size of the baby. After delivery, the baby's parents may need to be encouraged to drink fluids. In most cases, mothers can drink juices and water, but if the placenta was left in the uterus for the last few months, it may be difficult for the child to drink from a bottle or other feeder.
After the birth of the child, the amniotic fluid may still be collecting at the base of the child. In some cases, the doctor may recommend administration of oral hydrocortisone at this point, in order to relieve the inflammation and promote scarring removal. Oral hydrocortisone administration may also be recommended at approximately six weeks after the birth, in order to prevent possible scarring on the incision. If no complications arise after this time, it is generally advisable to wait until about six weeks after birth before administering oral corticosteroids. Visit these sites to more info about amniotic fluid. Longer term effects of corticosteroids are not fully understood, but in most cases, they do not reduce lung function or cause the child to be irritable, as some drugs used in the treatment for newborn diseases may do.
For most women, the risks of administration of these medications during the first trimester of pregnancy are rare. However, if there are any complications that occur, these should be reported immediately to a doctor, so that they can be addressed. If you have questions about your pregnancy or your child's health, speak to your obstetrician or gynecologist, or visit the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) website. They have resources available to help you understand your pregnancy and fetal development, including possible drug interactions with other medications you might be taking, risks for premature labor, as well as risks for the development of the fetus. Learn more from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_laboratory.
