Module 1: Amniotic Fluid Flashcards
what are 6 things that amniotic fluid provides
- protection from physical trauma
- allows for growth
- provides a stable temperature for the fetus
- enables normal development of bones and muscle
- aids in maturation of lungs and GI tract
- may provide some nutrients
what produces amniotic fluid in the first trimester
- chorion frondosum
- membranes
- skin
- GU tract and lungs
MOSTLY FROM CHORIOAMNIONIC MEMBRANES
what produces amniotic fluid in the second trimester
- produced primarily by kidneys
- small amount by lungs
how is the fluid removed
- fetus drinks it
how does the fluid move through the fetus
- fetus swallows it
- fluid goes through fetal GI tract and absorbed by the small bowel
- kidneys excrete urine back into the amniotic cavity
what abnormality in fetus will cause polyhydramnious
- any high GI obstruction
- swallowing deficits
what abnormality in fetus will cause oligohydramnious
- bilateral GU obstruction
- renal agenisis
is evaluating amniotic fluid subjective ?
- yes
what are the 2 measurements of amniotic fluid
- maximum vertical pocket
- AFI
how is the maximum vertical pocket measured and what measurement indicated poly
- deepest pocket that is free of umbilical cord or fetal parts
- 8 cm
how is the AFI done
- largest pocket in each quadrant is measured anterior to posterior then added together
what the normal range for AFI
5-25cm
< 5 = oligo
> 25 = poly
when is the maximum level of amniotic fluid and when does it start to diminish
- may reached at 22 weeks and maintain until 32 weeks
- at 34 weeks begins to diminish
what is the minimum amount of fluid required fro fetal breathing
1cm
how would one determine if there was poly subjectively
- fetus floats freely in amniotic fluid
(should be touching uterus on at least 2 sides of uterus) - > 8cm pocket
- > 25cm AFI
