Today, David's mother, accompanied by his father and him, went to hospital for prenatal examination. When they came back home, she said happily to David, "You can meet with your little brother in two months!"
David crouched down, and looked at his mother's stomach curiously. He thought for a minute or two and asked, "Mom, is my little brother surrounded by cotton-like stuff or warm water?"
After listening him out, his mother smiled and replied, "Let me think, your little brother is now living in a place which looks like a crystal palace. He is surrounded by amniotic fluid."
"Mom, what is amniotic fluid?"
"Amniotic fluid is like a huge cover and is also nourishing liquid for the fetus. It can help fetuses grow and provide them with a free space. A baby will stay comfortably in the warm amniotic fluid before birth."
"Mom, I have a question. How is the amniotic fluid formed?"
"I remember that you have learned the basic ingredients of the human body in your Natural Science course. The amniotic fluid is mainly composed of water, which accounts for about 98%. The rest of it includes a small amount of inorganic salts, organic hormones and exfoliated fetal cells. The most amazing part is that the source of amniotic fluid is different at different stages of fetal development. At the beginning, the fertilized ovum is keeping dividing, and the amniotic fluid is taking shape with maternal tissue fluid."
"I'm wondering if there is a part of amniotic fluid coming from the fetus's body."
"Yes, you're right. As the fetus grows up, its surrounding amniotic membrane and placenta continue to seep out the amniotic fluid. Following almost 16-week-old development, it will be able to float in the amniotic fluid. Then the fetus's organs gradually become mature. It will keep swallowing and draining the amniotic fluid to develop."
"Mom, is the amniotic fluid just like a strong cover?"
"I agree with you. It can protect the fetus. When a mother's abdomen is suffered from some sudden external force, it can buffer the strong force. In addition, there are some antibacterial substances, which can help the fetus to reduce its chance of intrauterine infection."
"Mom, does a fetus feel the same as we swim in the pool when it stays in the amniotic fluid?"
"You may well say so. When a pregnant woman is walking or doing some large-amplitude motions, the fetus, who is floating in the amniotic fluid, will not have a strong shaking feeling. Moreover, the temperature of the amniotic fluid remains at about 38 °C to 39 °C (100.4°F to 102.2°F). In this way, the uterus can remain at a constant temperature and provide a warm and suitable environment for the fetus."
"The amniotic fluid has so many functions," said David.
Author: Lu An
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