THE VOLUME AND COMPOSITION OF AMNIOTIC FLUID IN EARLY PREGNANCY

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Abstract
Summary: The volume and biochemical composition of amniotic fluid from early normal pregnancies terminated between 8 and 24 weeks were studied. The volume was measured directly in 27 of 33 cases. There was a small, but steady increase between 8 and 11 weeks. From 11 weeks there was a rapid and almost linear increase to a peak volume at 20 weeks. The bilirubin concentration and the optical density difference at 450 mμ. were related to gestational age rather than to the volume of fluid and reached a peak at about 18 weeks. The sodium, potassium and creatinine concentrations were comparable with plasma levels. The urea, glucose, protein and carbon dioxide concentrations were lower, whereas the chloride content was higher than the plasma level. The concentrations of these constituents were not related to either volume or gestational age during the period investigated.

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