The clear, watery fluid (popularly called the “waters”) that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. The fluid is contained within the amniotic sac. It cushions the fetus, allowing movement. Amniotic fluid is produced by cells lining the amniotic sac and is constantly circulated. It appears in the 1st week after conception and gradually increases in volume until the 10th week, when the increase becomes very rapid. Occasionally, excessive fluid is formed (see polyhydramnios); less frequently, insufficient amniotic fluid is formed (see oligohydramnios).
Amniotic fluid |
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