Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: syriacus

SOURCE NIH: Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac. The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy the amniotic fluid increases in volume as the fetus grows. Amniotic fluid volume is greatest at approximately 34 weeks of gestation, when it averages 800 ml. Approximately 600 ml of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation). This fluid is constantly circulated by the baby swallowing and "inhaling" existing fluid and replacing it through "exhalation" and urination. Amniotic fluid accomplishes numerous functions for the fetus, including:

Protection from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements

Allowing for freedom of fetal movement and permitting symmetrical musculoskeletal development

Maintaining a relatively constant temperature for the environment surrounding the fetus, thus protecting the fetus from heat loss

Permitting proper lung development




Update Date: 12/1/2005

Updated by: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


20 posted on 01/08/2007 5:34:51 AM PST by Liz (Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test a man's character, give him power. Abe Lincoln)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies ]


To: Liz

Indeed.


22 posted on 01/08/2007 5:36:32 AM PST by syriacus (IF Truman cut + ran after 3,000 deaths, THEN the Korean War would have ended in 5 weeks.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson