Everything You Need to Know About Amniotic Fluid

Often referred to as the "water" or "waters," amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus during pregnancy and plays a vital role in fetal development. Here's everything you need to know.

Medically reviewed by Kiarra King, M.D.

If you're familiar with pregnancy, you might have heard something about amniotic fluid. You know it's important, your doctor or midwife measures it, and your fetus needs it, but what exactly is it? What color is amniotic fluid, how does it work, and how much should you have during your pregnancy?

TV and movies love to pull the classic "my water broke!" card right before a series of hilarious mishaps ensue, and for many people, that's about the extent of what they know about amniotic fluid. But it turns out this liquid is actually pretty amazing. Read on for everything you need to know about amniotic fluid.

What Is Amniotic Fluid, and What Does It Do?

Amniotic fluid, or the fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy, is an essential part of your baby's uterine home. The water-like substance supports the fetus, cushioning and protecting it. It helps regulate fetal vitals, including their temperature and the pressure in the uterus. The amniotic sac provides the fetus with essential antibodies and nourishment; research has shown that fatty acids from a pregnant person's diet can be detected in the amniotic fluid.

The cushiony support offered by amniotic fluid means that a growing fetus has plenty of room to move around, which is critical for bone development. And speaking of cushioning, amniotic fluid can help prevent the umbilical cord from being squeezed, ensuring that your baby is getting the nutrients and oxygen needs.

Amniotic fluid helps with lung development

Before human lungs can start pumping air, two things must happen: the lungs must be the right size, and the surfactant system, which is what makes the lungs expand and contract, must be mature enough to work. This lung development begins early on in pregnancy with the help of the amniotic fluid. Researchers have long known that one key to helping the lungs get to the right size and maturity to be able to take that first breath of air after birth is the protective function of amniotic fluid.

Amniotic fluid helps with physical development

If you've ever wondered how babies' bodies seem to know how to grow, the answer may be in the stem cells found in the amniotic fluid. Stem cells play a starring role in how the body grows and regenerates after disease or injury.

If you think of stem cells like building blocks, they generate a large volume of different types of cells—and can even regenerate new healthy cells when other cells have been damaged. According to research, amniotic fluid stem cells may help grow many vital parts of the fetus including bone, muscle, neurons, ovaries, liver, kidneys, cartilage, and more.

What Color Is Amniotic Fluid?

If you've heard the phrase "waters of the womb" or just "water" to describe the fluid inside the amniotic sac during pregnancy, then you might imagine clear or blue water like the ocean—that makes sense, given the poetic description. But the truth is that the color of amniotic fluid can vary.

Amniotic fluid is typically a clear liquid but may have a few different color tints to it, depending on what's going on with your baby. Sometimes, it's tinted red if it's mixed with blood. Other times it's yellowish in hue, and occasionally, it can be tinted green or brown.

Green- or brown-tinted amniotic fluid is typically the result of meconium, a baby's first bowel movement, which is typically passed after birth but can be passed before if the baby is under stress.

Related: Do Babies Poop and Fart in the Womb?

Having Too Much or Too Little Amniotic Fluid

If there's any cause for concern throughout your pregnancy, your provider might check your amniotic fluid levels. Health care providers do this using the amniotic fluid index, which is a standardized assessment tool to determine how much amniotic fluid is in the uterus. Having too much amniotic fluid is a condition called polyhydramnios. Too little amniotic fluid is known as oligohydramnios.

While the exact cause of these conditions isn't always known, there are a few factors that can contribute, including:

• Preexisting conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes

• Certain medications

• Pregnancy continuing two weeks past your due date

• Fetal health concerns, including swallowing issues, heart failure, and/or infection

Both conditions can be cause for concern but fear not: Your provider will check your amniotic fluid levels to ensure everything is staying on course and both you and your baby are safe.

Oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid)

Having too little amniotic fluid can be a cause for concern. Not only is amniotic fluid a cushion for your little one and an important part of getting nutrients to them, but too little fluid can have a negative impact on the umbilical cord. If the fluid levels are too low, the umbilical cord may be squeezed, cutting off the most vital way your baby receives oxygen and nutrients.

The good news is, if this is a concern for you, there are different ways to increase your levels of amniotic fluid. Some include medical interventions that your doctor would perform. They might also suggest things you can do at home, such as drinking more water and/or getting more rest, though these aren't necessarily treatments for oligohydramnios.

Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)

Though rare, having too much amniotic fluid is also something prenatal health care providers will monitor. Having more amniotic fluid than expected can signal concerns like an undiagnosed anomaly in the fetus or undiagnosed diabetes in the gestational parent. Though most people with polyhydramnios won't experience any significant issues as a result of their amniotic fluid levels, too much amniotic fluid can increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth and labor complications.

Related: 4 Signs Your Water Is Breaking During Pregnancy

What Happens If You Leak Amniotic Fluid?

No matter where you are in your pregnancy, it seems like, at one point or another, different parts of your body are leaking. But what happens if you leak amniotic fluid—and how do you know if what you're leaking is amniotic fluid or if your bladder just isn't as strong as it used to be? As mentioned, amniotic fluid will be mostly clear, but it is also usually orderless. Sometimes, it may have a slightly sweet scent.

Still not sure? Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder completely. Afterward, put on a pad and leave it on for a while (around 30 minutes to an hour). If there is anything on the pad after, take a look. Urine is likely to be more yellow, compared to amniotic fluid, which will be clear.

If you're concerned about leaking amniotic fluid, get in touch with your provider. They can confirm whether the fluid is in fact amniotic fluid and will determine your next steps to keep you and your baby safe and healthy.

Key Takeaways

People often have a lot of questions about amniotic fluid from what color it is to how to know whether it's leaking. Amniotic fluid is an essential part of pregnancy that helps cushion your growing fetus, support the umbilical cord, and maintain an optimal temperature and pressure in the uterus. Rest assured that your baby's health and the health of its environment (including the amniotic fluid) is an important part of prenatal care. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a health care provider.

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