Amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid is a protective mechanism for the fetus. Amniotic fluid also functions to maintain a constant temperature for the fetus. Amniotic fluid increases in amount as the pregnancy matures. The fetus typically ingests 600 ml of amniotic fluid every 24 hour period and produces urine that is part of the total amount of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid consists of albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, lecithin, sphingomyelin, bilirubin, fat, fructose, leukocytes, protein, enzymes, and epithelial cells. Amniotic fluid flows freely throughout the fetal lungs at a rate of 400 ml daily. Ruptured membranes or leaking of amniotic fluid is one of the first signs of impending labor and birth.