Amniotic Fluid During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby throughout pregnancy and is contained within the amniotic sac. It cushions your baby, allows movement and supports the development of important organs such as the lungs.

What is amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid is the fluid surrounding your baby inside the amniotic sac. Its amount changes throughout pregnancy and is monitored during ultrasound examinations when needed.

Why is amniotic fluid important?
Amniotic fluid helps:

Cushion and protect your baby
Allow your baby to move freely
Support the development of the lungs and other organs
Provide space for normal growth and development
What does low or high amniotic fluid mean?
Sometimes an ultrasound shows that there is less amniotic fluid than expected, known as oligohydramnios, or more than expected, known as polyhydramnios.

There can be different reasons for changes in fluid levels, and your doctor may recommend additional monitoring or investigations depending on your individual pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid levels cannot be reliably assessed based on how your belly looks or how much water you drink. Your healthcare provider uses ultrasound and other clinical assessments when necessary.

What happens when your waters break?
As labour approaches, the membranes surrounding the baby may rupture. This is commonly called your waters breaking.

You may notice either a slow trickle or a sudden gush of fluid that you cannot control. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pale. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish it from urine.

If you think your waters have broken, contact your maternity team for advice.

Seek urgent medical advice if the fluid is green, brown, smelly or associated with significant bleeding, or if your baby is moving less than usual. If your waters break before 37 weeks, contact your maternity team promptly.

Can yoga be practised when there is a problem with amniotic fluid?
If you have been diagnosed with low or high amniotic fluid, your pregnancy should be managed according to your obstetrician's advice.

Do not assume that a particular yoga pose, exercise or home remedy can correct an abnormal amniotic fluid level.

If your doctor has cleared you for movement, your prenatal yoga practice should be appropriately modified for your individual pregnancy.

Every pregnancy is different. When it comes to amniotic fluid concerns, your healthcare team's assessment is more important than trying to manage the condition yourself.

This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice from your obstetrician or maternity care team.