What Happens To The Baby When There Is No Amniotic Fluid
Summary: Understanding the purpose of the amniotic fluid is key to understanding what can happen if there is little to no amniotic fluid in the womb. There are risks to both you and your unborn child. If you are discovered to have this problem your doctor will be monitoring you very closely to be sure there is no problems for you or your baby.

The amniotic fluid surrounds your baby and helps to prevent harm if there should be trauma such as would occur if you should fall. It also helps to prevent the umbilical cord from being compressed. This would adversely affect your baby’s oxygen supply. It also helps to provide protection from viruses.

Amniotic fluid helps your baby to move and promotes proper muscle and bone development. It also helps their digestive and respiratory systems.  As the baby swallows it, it is excreted, and your baby inhales and exhales it from the lungs.

During your first 14 weeks of pregnancy  fluid from your circulatory system passes into the amniotic sac. In your second trimester your baby will begin to swallow it, process it, and will urinate.  A normal amount of fluid is about 1 quart at approximately the 34th week of your pregnancy at which point it starts decreasing as you near delivery.

When there is little fluid or none the condition is called Oligonhydramnios.  How much is considered low? 5 centimeters or less is considered low  and can adversely affect your baby.

A low or non-existent amniotic fluid supply can affect your baby in the following ways. Your baby could have birth defects including congenital heart problems. The cord can become compressed which can limit the oxygen supply.  It can also cause complications during delivery.

This happens for a variety of reasons. If you are leaking amniotic fluid the supply will be less. This could be caused by fetal anomalies. A rupture in the amniotic sac could be the problem as well.

If you have this problem your doctor will monitor your and your baby very closely. There are things such as tracking fetal kicks that you will be taught how to do to aid in your baby’s assessment. In the event you baby experiences serious distress you baby will be assessed to be sure they can be safely delivered. If this is not possible a C-section will be done to deliver your baby with the least amount of stress possible.