Why is the amniotic fluid yellow?

Some people will experience amniotic fluid flowing out of the body, but we will find that the amniotic fluid is yellow after it flows out. Under normal circumstances, perhaps everyone defines amniotic fluid as white or blood red. In fact, this is not the case. It is normal and not surprising that the water is yellow, and it is often mixed with some milky white flocs. The color of the amniotic fluid can be used to judge the condition of the fetus.

Why is the amniotic fluid yellow?

Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus. It is also the source of life for the fetus. Only when the amniotic fluid is normal can it provide the fetus with a warm and healthy development environment. Pregnant women usually do amniotic fluid monitoring, which is also a kind of monitoring of fetal health. The turbidity and color of the amniotic fluid can directly reflect the development of the fetus in the uterus.

The color of amniotic fluid changes as the pregnancy progresses. Before full term, the amniotic fluid is a colorless, clear liquid; at full term, due to the presence of vernix caseosa, small pieces of fetal skin cells, vellus, hair, etc. suspended in the fluid, the amniotic fluid becomes slightly milky white and mixed with white flocs.

The color of the amniotic fluid can also tell you about your pregnancy:

1. Yellow-green or dark green: fetal distress.

2. Red or brown: fetal death.

3. Golden yellow: Increased amniotic fluid bilirubin due to hemolysis caused by maternal and fetal blood incompatibility.

4. Viscous yellow: overdue pregnancy, placental insufficiency, etc.

5. Turbid, purulent or with a foul odor: intrauterine infection.

The role of amniotic fluid:

1. During pregnancy, amniotic fluid can alleviate external pressure or impact on the abdomen, preventing the fetus from direct damage.

2. Amniotic fluid can stabilize the temperature in the uterus and prevent it from changing drastically. During the growth and development of the fetus, the fetus can have a space to move around, so the fetus's limb development will not become abnormal or deformed.

3. Amniotic fluid can reduce the mother's feelings or discomfort caused by the fetus's movements in the uterus.

4. There are also some antibacterial substances in amniotic fluid, which play a certain role in reducing infection.

5. During delivery, the amniotic fluid forms a water bag, which can ease the expansion of the cervix.

6. Umbilical cord prolapse can be avoided in breech and foot positions.

7. When the uterus contracts, the amniotic fluid can buffer the pressure of the uterus on the fetus, especially the pressure on the fetal head.

8. After the water breaks, the amniotic fluid has a certain lubricating effect on the birth canal, making it easier for the fetus to be delivered.

Precautions

Amniotic fluid examination is usually performed in the second trimester (16-21 weeks of pregnancy). Before the operation, you should empty your bladder, put your hands on your hips, and gently rotate your waist and abdomen. Then lie on your back, use B-type ultrasound diagnostic equipment to detect and locate, choose the puncture point, and perform the puncture under strict aseptic operating conditions. Generally, about 20 ml of amniotic fluid is drawn, placed in a clean and sterilized centrifuge tube, and sent for examination immediately.

Why does the amniotic fluid turn yellow? This article explains the knowledge and functions of amniotic fluid to pregnant mothers. It can be seen that the routine examination of amniotic fluid must not be neglected. Especially after the late pregnancy, regular amniotic fluid monitoring and fetal heart rate monitoring should be carried out. Because turbid amniotic fluid is more likely to occur in the late pregnancy. This situation is also a major problem affecting the fetus, and pregnant mothers are advised to pay attention to it.