Water Flux and Amniotic Fluid Volume: Understanding Fetal Water Flow

Marie H. Beall, Jeroen P. H. M. van den Wijngaard, Martin van Gemert, Michael G. Ross

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In a term human gestation, the amount of water in the fetal compartments, including the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid (AF), may exceed 5 L; in pathologic states, the amount may be much more because of excessive AF or fetal hydrops. Water largely flows from the maternal circulation to the fetus via the placenta, and the rate of fetal water acquisition depends on placental water permeability characteristics. Within the gestational compartment, water is circulated between the fetus and the AF. In the latter part of pregnancy, an important facet of this circulation is water flux from the AF to the fetal circulation across the amnion. Normal AF water dynamics are critical because insufficient (oligohydramnios) or excessive (polyhydramnios) amounts of AF are associated with impaired fetal outcome, even in the absence of structural fetal abnormalities. This chapter reviews data regarding the placental transfer of water and examines the circulation of water within the gestation, specifically the water flux across the amnion, as factors influencing AF volume. Finally, some controversies regarding the mechanics of these events are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNephrology and Fluid/Electrolyte Physiology: Neonatology Questions and Controversies
PublisherElsevier
Pages3-18
ISBN (Electronic)9780323533676
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Publication series

NameNephrology and Fluid/Electrolyte Physiology: Neonatology Questions and Controversies

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