Pregnancy is a long cycle, and the source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal growth and development. The amniotic fluid in early pregnancy mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo and is colorless. As the fetal organs develop and mature, there may be a slight turbidity phenomenon. So, how many weeks of pregnancy does amniotic fluid turbidity usually occur?
In general, amniotic fluid turbidity occurs around 40 weeks of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid turbidity is usually caused by fetal hypoxia during delivery, leading to premature excretion of various metabolic waste such as feces, urine, and fetal fat, contaminating the amniotic fluid. Under ultrasound examination, thick and dense spots can be seen. Amniotic fluid is an essential living environment for maintaining fetal life and development. It not only reduces pressure and shock from outside the abdomen during pregnancy, but also maintains stable uterine temperature. Various chemicals in amniotic fluid change with the progression of pregnancy.
If the slight turbidity of amniotic fluid is caused by fetal fat, it is not abnormal, but moderate to severe amniotic fluid turbidity caused by meconium is a dangerous signal, because moderate to severe amniotic fluid turbidity may cause intrauterine hypoxia and irreversible damage to the baby. If the pregnant woman's amniotic fluid is too turbid, it is better to be hospitalized for observation. If the turbidity of amniotic fluid continues to worsen, it is necessary to deliver the baby early through cesarean section.
