This article has been reviewed by Specialist level I Dr.Le Hong Lien – Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Central Park International Hospital.
Amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal development of the fetus throughout pregnancy. However, not all amniotic fluid is normal, green or yellow amniotic fluid may indicate serious risks for both mother and baby.
1. What is Amniotic Fluid? Abnormalities in Amniotic Fluid
The fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid in the uterus. Amniotic fluid is a nutrient-rich, egenerative, and exchangeable liquid. It is vital for the survival and development of the fetus during pregnancy..
Amniotic fluid appears as early as 12 days after fertilization. It protects the fetus from impacts and strong external forces Most importantly, it helps create a sterile environment for the baby.
In early pregnancy, amniotic fluid is clear. As the pregnancy progresses, it becomes milky white. By full term (38 weeks), it has a whitish, rice-water-like appearance. This is considered normal and ensures the fetus's safety.
Abnormalities occur when the amniotic fluid appears green or yellow.
- Yellowish-green amniotic fluid: May be a sign of fetal hemolysis or fetal growth restriction.
- Thick moss-green amniotic fluid: Suggests an intra-amniotic infection, increasing the risk of fetal infection.
Yellow or green amniotic fluid is an abnormal condition that may indicate severe fetal complications, such as hemolysis, fetal distress, or malnutrition. If not detected and managed promptly, it can lead to fetal death.
2. Fetal Hemolysis
Fetal hemolysis, or fetal hemolytic anemia, occurs when red blood cell levels are abnormally low in the mother, which can be inherited by the baby.
Most cases involve mild (recessive gene) forms of the condition, and doctors may recommend blood tests for the father. If the father also carries the condition, the baby may inherit a severe form, requiring lifelong blood transfusions.
If the father does not carry the gene, there is a 50% chance that the baby will have only a mild form of the condition, allowing them to live a normal life.
Thus, pregnant women diagnosed with fetal hemolysis should not worry excessively, as the likelihood of both parents carrying the gene is low. Such cases are more common in consanguineous marriages.
The following content is prepared under supervision of Bác sĩ chuyên khoa II, Tạ Quốc Bản , Sản phụ khoa , Khoa Sản phụ khoa - Bệnh viện Đa khoa Vinmec Đà Nẵng
3. Fetal Distress
Fetal distress occurs when the fetus lacks oxygen, either during pregnancy or labor. This can result in neurological damage or even stillbirth if not treated in time. Causes include anemia, infection, growth restriction, or congenital defects.
Abnormal amniotic fluid color is a key indicator of fetal distress:
- Dark yellow amniotic fluid: Suggests chronic fetal distress requiring immediate intervention.
- Green amniotic fluid: Indicates signs of distress, requiring close monitoring and timely medical action.
- Amniotic fluid with meconium (fetal stool): Indicates a high risk of acute fetal distress during labor, requiring urgent medical attention.
Additional signs of fetal distress include irregular fetal heartbeats and chaotic fetal movements.
Since conditions like abnormal amniotic fluid, fetal distress, and hemolysis often lack obvious symptoms, pregnant women should undergo regular prenatal checkups at a reputable medical facility to detect any abnormalities early and ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
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