

to check the baby's growth and physical development.to work out the age of baby (in a dating scan).to check the number of baby/babies present.They are used to look at your developing baby.Īn ultrasound is considered safe for both mother and baby because it does not use ionising radiation (it is different to an x-ray). Ultrasounds use sound waves to create an image (picture) of your baby. However, keeping healthy and active in pregnancy will help both you and your baby.Print Your care during pregnancy Ultrasounds during pregnancy What is an ultrasound? If the amniotic fluid volume is not within the expected range, it is very likely that you have not done anything to cause this.
#Amniotic fluid picture how to
If you have an amniotic fluid volume that is considered too high or too low, your doctor or midwife will explain what this means for you, including the likely causes and how to manage this. What a high or low fluid volume means for you and your baby depends on a number of factors, including the cause (if known), the severity of the finding and how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Polyhydramnios is the medical term used to describe having too much or more fluid than expected.Anhydramnios is the medical term used to describe when there is no amniotic fluid seen on an ultrasound.Oligohydramnios is the medical term used to describe having low or not enough amniotic fluid.This may be because of a pregnancy complication and can sometimes indicate that there is a problem, although in some cases a cause may not always be found. In a small number of pregnancies, the amount of fluid around the baby may be higher or lower than expected. What if the amount of fluid is not normal? How much amniotic fluid is considered normal varies a lot, and the reference range used to determine this depends on how your healthcare provider does the assessment.įor this reason, it’s best to speak with your midwife or doctor to understand the assessment and results.

The amount will vary from person to person and in each pregnancy. The amount of amniotic fluid that you can expect in pregnancy depends on how many weeks pregnant you. Too much or too little fluid can be associated with pregnancy complications and can sometimes signal that there is a problem.įor this reason, the amount of amniotic fluid is often measured during your routine pregnancy ultrasounds. The amount of amniotic fluid around your baby provides some information about your baby’s wellbeing. The amount of fluid is usually described in centimetres. Once these pockets of fluid are found, the depth of the fluid is measured to give an indication of the overall fluid volume.
#Amniotic fluid picture professional
The ultrasound probe will be placed on your tummy and the healthcare professional will look for pockets of amniotic fluid around your baby. cushion and protect your baby and their umbilical cord from pressure or outside injuryĪmniotic fluid can be assessed and measured using ultrasound.maintain a normal temperature around your baby.your baby’s lungs, digestive system and muscles to develop.your baby to move around in your uterus.Why is amniotic fluid important during pregnancy?Īmniotic fluid has a few important functions that help to support your baby’s growth and development. The amount of amniotic fluid around your baby usually increases throughout pregnancy and is thought to reach its highest amount (volume) early in the third trimester. Your baby produces most of this fluid themselves through their urine and lung secretions. How is amniotic fluid produced?Īmniotic fluid starts to form in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Related information on Australian websitesĪmniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds your baby in the uterus during pregnancy.What if the amount of fluid is not normal?.Why is amniotic fluid important during pregnancy?.
